The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of two life terms and an additional 22 years’ imprisonment imposed on Anele Daniel Nkomo (30) by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Breyten for the brutal murder and rape of his elderly employer, 70-year-old Catherina Petronella (Rienie) Kruger, in Grootvlei.

Nkomo, who was employed by the deceased as a general worker, pleaded guilty to the crimes and was subsequently convicted of housebreaking with intent to rob, rape, murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Monica Nyuswa, NPA regional spokesperson for Mpumalanga, said in a press statement that, through his plea statement, read by his legal representative, Nkomo told the court that, towards the end of November 2023, he contacted the deceased and informed her that he needed money to buy necessities for the festive season as Christmas was approaching.

When the deceased was unable to assist him financially, he went to her house on December 30, 2023, to demand the money.

He broke into the house and continued demanding money from the deceased. He then assaulted her by striking her with a stone, raped her, and stabbed her multiple times until she succumbed to her injuries.

Thereafter, he fled the scene with the deceased’s valuable items, including a cellphone, wallet, and air pistol, using the deceased’s vehicle to escape.

While driving at high speed, Nkomo encountered a police vehicle and overtook it. He subsequently lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn, and sustained serious injuries. When questioned by the police, he failed to provide satisfactory answers.

Instead, he apologised and falsely claimed that he had borrowed the vehicle. Further investigation uncovered the crimes he had committed, leading to his arrest.

In aggravation of sentence, Senior State Advocate Themba Lusenga submitted that the robbery, rape, and killing of a defenceless elderly woman was an act of cowardice.

He further argued that the attack was unnecessary and brutal, and that the accused deserved the harshest possible sentence.

The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Nkomo was sentenced as follows:

• Life imprisonment for rape,
• Life imprisonment for murder,
• Seven years’ imprisonment for house burglary with intent to rob
• 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
• The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.

“The NPA reiterates that the value of human life cannot be overstated and reaffirms its commitment to pursuing such cases vigorously to ensure accountability and serve as a deterrent.

“The NPA remains steadfast in prosecuting serious crimes, particularly those involving violence against vulnerable persons and abuse of trust,” said Nyuswa.

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