Muzikayise Koloba Fakude(46) was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 71-year-old Sebenzile Manzophi Simelane.

As part of the sentence, the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The conviction stems from a horrific incident on 9 September 2022 in eMkhondo, where Fakude and unidentified accomplices entered the victim’s home with the intent to rob her.

After demanding money and being told there was none, Fakude attacked Simelane with a bush knife, severely mutilated her body, and dumped her remains in a nearby river.

Her lifeless body was later discovered and retrieved during police investigations, which ultimately led to Fakude’s arrest.

Despite pleading not guilty, the accused was convicted based on strong circumstantial evidence, including his formal admissions and a police-led pointing-out procedure.

Senior Advocate Themba Lusenga presented a compelling testimony from an eyewitness who saw Fakude leading the police to the crime scene and heard him describing how he disposed of the victim’s body.

The state also relied on forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, which confirmed the presence of the victim’s blood on the knife used in the attack.

Additionally, a post-mortem report revealed that Simelane’s cause of death was partial decapitation and severe injuries inflicted during the attack.

During sentencing, Simelane’s granddaughter delivered an emotional victim impact statement, highlighting the psychological trauma and distress the family endured after burying their beloved grandmother without her left arm and breast.

Advocate Lusenga urged the court to impose a harsh sentence, emphasising the brutality of the crime and the need for deterrence.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence and remains committed to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes.