Court sentences Jabulani Nkosi to life for murdering pregnant girlfriend

The Delmas Division of the High Court, sitting at the Evander Regional Court, sentenced Jabulani Nkosi to life imprisonment for murder and an additional five years for arson on July 3.

The sentencing followed the brutal killing of his pregnant girlfriend, Boitsoko Khoza, in November 2023. The court found Nkosi guilty of intentionally setting fire to Khoza’s rental home in Evander, resulting in her death and the destruction of all her belongings, including her car.

The trial resumed on March 17 and concluded with sentencing on July 3. It left the courtroom and community reeling from its disturbing details.

Throughout the emotionally charged proceedings, Nkosi showed no remorse. In a painful moment, the judge remarked that Nkosi had laughed while Khoza’s mother, Esther Letwaba, testified. The judge condemned Nkosi’s lack of empathy and calculated effort to conceal the crime before setting the house ablaze.

Medical testimony confirmed the extent of the brutality. The doctor who examined Khoza’s body said it had been burnt beyond recognition.
The court also heard that Khoza, who worked at Sasol, was the primary breadwinner for her family, and her murder devastated those who depended on her.

In delivering the sentence, the judge emphasised the ongoing crisis of GBV in SA.

“These cases are not decreasing. They are on the rise. The court came to deliver judgment here, in the very community where this atrocity occurred, to emphasise the seriousness with which we view such crimes,” the judge said.

Nkosi abandoned his bail application after his first appearance in the Evander Magistrate’s Court. A later attempt in January, while the matter was already on the High Court roll, was also denied due to the severity of the charges and concerns that he was a flight risk.

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Nkosi’s defence team argued that his troubled upbringing should serve as a mitigating factor. However, the court ruled that the premeditated and brutal nature of the crime warranted the maximum penalty. The sentences will run concurrently.

The case has sparked outrage in Evander and Mamelodi, where Khoza’s family lives. Community members from both towns attended the court proceedings in support of the family. Speaking to the Ridge Times after the verdict, Letwaba expressed relief and gratitude.

“It’s been a long journey since the incident happened. I thank the Evander and Mamelodi communities who stood by us from the beginning until today. Finally, justice for my daughter and her unborn child has been served. Now I can sleep peacefully.”

Khoza’s family hopes the sentencing sends a strong message and helps prevent future tragedies.

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