The Madadeni Regional Court has sentenced Mkhumbuleni Goodman Mbatha (54) and Linda Mbatha (25) to double life imprisonment for the murder and attempted murder of Ntokozo Madonsela in January 2023 in the Flathela area near Newcastle.

Their co-accused, Kwanele Ngubeni (19), was sentenced to an effective 20 years’ imprisonment.

Events leading up to the murder

On New Year’s Eve 2022, Madonsela, his brother and Thabiso Khumalo (complainant in the murder charge) were at Khumalo’s home celebrating. At some point, they saw Ngubeni running past the house for unknown reasons.

New Year’s Day 2023, Madonsela, his brother and Khumalo encountered Ngubeni and Linda Mbatha walking in the area. They questioned Ngubeni about his behaviour the previous night. He became agitated and indicated that he and Mbatha would return later.

Subsequently, Ngubeni and Linda returned to Khumalo’s house and began throwing stones and bottles at the residence. They left after Khumalo’s mother reprimanded them.

Later, the pair returned, but this time with Mkhumbuleni Mbatha.

Mbatha entered the house under the guise of attempting to calm the situation. He called Khumalo aside and suggested that he should not go to Madonsela’s house that evening, but instead return shortly thereafter.

The murder

After they had left, Khumalo’s mother warned Madonsela and his brother to remain at her house due to the earlier suspicious behaviour. Despite this, Madonsela, his brother and Khumalo went to Madonsela’s house to switch on the lights, intending to return shortly thereafter.

While in the house, they were accosted by the accused, who launched a violent attack on them.

During the assault, Madonsela was fatally stabbed. His brother managed to escape unharmed, while Khumalo sustained multiple stab wounds but was able to flee to a nearby house.

Arrest

The accused were subsequently arrested after being identified by a witness known to them.

Trial

During the trial, Prosecutor Sicelo Hlela led the testimony of Khumalo and presented a medical report detailing his injuries.

Additional evidence included testimony from Madonsela’s brother and other witnesses, as well as the postmortem report confirming the cause of death. In argument, Mr Hlela emphasised the senseless and violent nature of the offences.

Sentencing

The court sentenced the Mbatha’s to life imprisonment on each count of murder and attempted murder. Ngubeni was sentences to 20 years’ imprisonment for murder, with the 18-year sentence for attempted murder ordered to run concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year term.

In sentencing Ngubeni, the court took into account that he was 16 years old at the time of the incident and therefore, the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment was not applicable.

All three accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentences imposed and cautions members of the public against engaging in violent and unlawful conduct. The courts continue to treat such offences with the seriousness they deserve.

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