MAN SENTENCED TO DOUBLE LIFE TERMS PLUS 57 YEARS FOR FEMICIDE 

09 February 2026 

MAN SENTENCED TO DOUBLE LIFE TERMS PLUS 57 YEARS FOR FEMICIDE 

The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, sitting in Butterworth sentenced Mandilakhe Balfour (45) to two life imprisonment terms for murder of two women. One of the deceased has a romantic history with Balfour who was also sentenced to an additional 57 years for an array of charges including attempted murder, possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit murder as well as kidnapping. 

One of the deceased, Nontlahla Mankqunkqwana, used to be Balfour’s girlfriend before the 03 September 2023 incident. It is, however, not clear whether they were still in a relationship on the fateful day when Balfour, and the three women were drinking at a local tavern in Ngcizela area of Centane. When their liquor was finished, then Balfour requested that the women follow him to his home to fetch money to buy more liquor. They indeed followed him and found him already in his room lying on the bed. When they asked him to take out the promised money, he took out a shotgun, closed the door and shot at the three unsuspecting women but one managed to sneak out unharmed and called for help. He then locked them inside his room and left. 

Community members saw Balfour walking away carrying a “long firearm” and they rushed to help the shot people. One of the victims was rushed to hospital and was later discharged. He was arrested three days later and found in possession of a shotgun, ammunition, and a self-inflicted wound to his face. The second woman developed complications after discharge from hospital and died on 29 January 2024. 

During trial, the accused attempted pleading mental breakdown, claiming that at the time he shot at the women, he was seeing visions of owls. He was meticulously cross-examined by the state which rendered that version being found to be false beyond reasonable doubt and was rejected by the court. Arguing for an appropriate sentence, Senior State Advocate, Loyiso Methuso stressed that the victims of this crime are members of the vulnerable group in the society. When they were inside the convicted murderer’s room, they were at the mercy of the merciless monster that does not deserve to roam around communities. 

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, stated that perpetrators of gender-based violence have no place in our society, while commending the prosecutor, the police, and state witnesses for ensuring that justice is served. 

Issued by: 

Luxolo Tyali 

Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division 

Cell: 073 555 9292 

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za