Man jailed for 15 years over hot oil attack on White River vendor
An altercation at a food stall turned violent after a vendor asked two men fighting near her cooking oil to move away.
Given Smiso Nkosi (38) was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment in the Nelspruit Regional Court on August 11 for attempting to murder street vendor Emelinah Mdlovu in White River.
NPA Mpumalanga spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the conviction stemmed from an attack on January 24 while Mdlovu was selling vetkoek at her stall. Nkosi was unknown to the victim at the time.
Argument escalates into violent attack
According to Nyuswa, evidence presented by the state established that Mdlovu noticed Nkosi arguing with another man. The altercation escalated into a physical fight and moved closer to where she was frying vetkoek in a large pot of hot cooking oil.
Nyuswa explained that Mdlovu, concerned for her safety, told the men to move away from the hot oil, but Nkosi turned his aggression towards her.
Fearing for her safety, she fled, but Nkosi grabbed the pot, chased her, and poured the hot oil over her body, leaving her with severe burns.
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Nyuswa said an eyewitness travelling in a vehicle observed Nkosi pursuing Mdlovu and pouring the hot oil over her. The witness immediately intervened and called for assistance and the police arrested Nkosi shortly thereafter. Mdlovu was transported to hospital by ambulance for urgent medical treatment.
State opposes bail and proves guilt
The NPA successfully opposed Nkosi’s release on bail, resulting in him remaining in custody until the conclusion of the case.
During the trial, Nkosi pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, state prosecutor Simon Mamabolo presented evidence from both the victim and the eyewitness, which the court found compelling, supported by medical evidence confirming the seriousness of Mdlovu’s injuries. The court subsequently found Nkosi guilty of attempted murder.
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In aggravation of sentence, the state argued that Nkosi posed a danger to society and emphasised that the offence was committed in broad daylight.
The prosecution further highlighted that Mdlovu was an innocent bystander who was simply conducting her daily business to earn a livelihood and support her household when she became the victim of the accused’s violent actions.
The court sentenced Nkosi to 15 years’ direct imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
