On March 18, Sunnyboy Makhanya (42) was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Mpumalanga High Court for the murder of his girlfriend in July 2024.

The 35-year-old Thembelihle Nkosi was strangled and stabbed three times at their residence in Ezamokuhle in the Amersfoort area.

The incident occurred after Makhanya allegedly saw the deceased with another man at a tavern.

An argument ensued but later subsided. The couple left the tavern and returned home, where the argument continued.

Makhanya’s uncle reported the incident to authorities after Makhanya confided in him. Police responded swiftly and arrested him at the crime scene.

The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated.

“This sentence demonstrates that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) will face the full might of the law. We commend the investigators and all stakeholders for ensuring that justice is served,” he said.

The Greater Rape Intervention Project’s CEO, Tarryn Lokotsch, said the organisation welcomes the life sentence handed down in this matter. However, she added that it is a painful reminder of the ongoing reality of GBVF in communities.

“Too often, violence escalates behind closed doors, and by the time the systems intervene, it is already too late,” she said.

Lokotsch emphasised the need for both prevention and early intervention efforts to ensure that women have access to safe spaces, support services, and pathways to leave harmful relationships before they become fatal.

“Justice after the fact is critical, but it cannot be our only response.”

*This article was amended after publishing. Revisions include corrections to style and the standardisation of names, titles and terminology. These changes do not affect the facts of the case.