The Middelburg High Court sentenced Bushbuckridge local Precious Lucky Ngwenya (35) to two life sentences and 18 years for the double murder of a mother and a daughter that occurred in eMalahleni in 2016.

The provincial NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said in a statement that Ngwenya had been found guilty on two counts of murder, one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances and one count of kidnapping which he committed in 2016 in Clewer, Robertson Street.

Ngwenya was working at Simangele Shabangu’s home as a handyman at the time of her murder. His wife, Nompumelelo Ngwenya (30), was also charged, however charges were withdrawn because she could not be linked.

Nyuswa said before the murder, Shabangu had requested Precious to bring Nompumelelo to her home to assist with cleaning the house as they were expecting visitors.

“On December 7, 2016, Ngwenya arrived at Shabangu’s home and found her standing at the garage. He stabbed her several times with a knife and strangled her,” said Nyuswa.

“He further dragged Shabangu’s daughter, Phyllisant Nozipho (35), loaded her into the boot of the Polo belonging to Shabangu and drove to a cemetery in Kraaifontein where he stabbed her to death. He then fled the scene with the deceaseds’ cellphones, bank cards and motor vehicle.”

Nyuswa said Nozipho’s body was found by municipal workers who were cleaning the cemetery three days later and alerted the authorities.

Ngwenya was arrested in Phalaborwa after he had been involved in a motor vehicle collision in the car belonging to Shabangu.

“During a marathon trial, Ngwenya kept on changing attorneys which the state viewed as a delaying tactic.

“Among the evidence that was led, is the evidence of DNA that was found in Ngwenya’s boxer shorts. Ngwenya’s wife told the court about how the events unfolded.

“This was collaborated with the evidence of doctors who conducted the post-mortem in respect of both victims. They testified that the victims had died as a result of stab wounds to the chest.”

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Nyuswa said Shabangu’s other daughter described her mother as a social person who had been loved by everyone. She had been the centre of the family.

She said since the death of her mother, Christmas and Easter holidays are no longer the same.

“Arguing for a suitable sentence, Adv Zwelethu Mata said the killing of women and children in our society has become very rife. Women are killed by the people who are known to them, as in this case.

“Ngwenya had been raised by Shabangu, financially supported by her and was even part of the family. Mata added that Ngwenya had bitten the hand that had fed him and not only did he kill the mother, he destroyed the community as they were benefiting from Shabangu’s NGO which was providing for HIV/Aids education,” said Nyuswa.