The court imposed the sentence last Friday, August 27. Skhumbuzo shot and killed Lourencia Zinhle Mathebula in 2016 in full view of her brother.

According to the police, Skhumbuzo met with Lourencia and her brother, who then asked the brother to leave so he could talk privately to Lourencia, when the brother returned, he then witnessed his sister being gunned down by Skhumbuzo.

The suspect fled the scene, and when paramedics arrived, Lourencia was pronounced dead.

Elukwatini Police opened a murder case and a manhunt was launched for Skhumbuzo, who at the time ran to Eswatini. Detectives at the Elukwatini Police Station worked tirelessly in their investigation and were assisted by members of the community who shared information with the police on the whereabouts of the culprit. T

he police arrested Mr Skhumbuzo Khoza on January 5 last year on the N17.

Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela thanked members of the public, as well as the investigating team, the prosecution team, and the Judiciary for their concerted effort that led to Mr Khoza’s notable sentence.

“The Provincial Commissioner also indicated that the sentence was given at the appropriate time amidst gender-based violence incidents reported during the month of August, Women’s Month, where women are supposed to be celebrated. The Lieutenant General is hopeful that the sentence will send a stern warning to perpetrators of crimes against women that the arm of the law will catch up with them.”