High Court convicts Evander man of murder and arson
Jabulani Nkosi will be sentenced on June 27 at Delmas High Court for stabbing and killing a pregnant Boitsoko Khoza.
The Delmas High Court found Jabulani Nkosi guilty of murder and arson in the death of his girlfriend, Boitsoko Khoza.
The court’s verdict follows a timeline of events that unfolded in November 2023 in Evander, when Nkosi set alight Khoza’s rented house.
Nkosi was found guilty of stabbing a pregnant Khoza to death and then hiding her body in a refrigerator days before the fire.
All her belongings, including her car, were destroyed in the fire.
The emotional trial, which resumed on March 17 and will conclude with sentencing on June 27, has highlighted the disturbing nature of the crime, with the details of these events leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Nkosi’s defence team has argued for leniency, claiming he is a product of a challenging upbringing and his actions were not premeditated. His attorney requested a postponement for a pre-sentence report.
Nkosi abandoned his bail application during his first appearance at the Evander Magistrate’s Court but later sought release on bail, which the court denied due to the severity of the charges.
In January, while his matter was already on the High Court roll, he made another attempt to secure bail but was again denied. Given the nature of the charges, the court deemed him a flight risk.
The case has sparked outrage in the Evander community and beyond, with many expressing disbelief over the circumstances surrounding Khoza’s death.
An Evander resident said the community is happy Boitsoko’s family will finally get justice for her murder.
“As the trial continues and the sentencing date approaches, the case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change regarding domestic violence and the protection of vulnerable individuals,” said a resident.
“The emotional toll on Khoza’s family and friends is immeasurable, and they are left grappling with the loss of a loved one whose life was so violently extinguished.
“As the Delmas High Court prepares for the final phase of this case, as the community, we hold our breath, hoping for justice for Boitsoko Khoza and her unborn child.”
Other Evander residents believe that the outcome will influence the lives of those directly involved and resonate throughout a society determined to confront and combat GBV.
