Nongoma woman sentenced to life imprisonment for murder of her boyfriend

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentencing of two convicted murderers from the Nongoma area.

The Pietermaritzburg High Court last week sentenced Nonjabulo Nokukhanya Nkosi (37) and Xolani Skhumbuzo Mtambo (38) to life and 15 years’ imprisonment respectively, following their conviction in the 2021 murder of Dumisani Qwabe (47).

NPA regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said they commend the work done by the prosecution and SAPS in this matter.

Ramkisson-Kara said Nkosi was sentenced to a further five years imprisonment for theft.

Case details

Nkosi was in a romantic relationship with Qwabe and at some point, decided to kill him. She approached Mtambo to arrange for a hitman, but the plan fell through and Nkosi obtained a firearm and petrol to carry out the murder herself.

“In October 2021, Nkosi met Mtambo at a marketplace, where he loaded the firearm for her and showed her how to use it,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

“Thereafter, Qwabe received a call from Nkosi and left his house. Later that night, his motor vehicle was found engulfed in flames on the road between Nongoma and Pongola, with his burnt remains inside.”

Ramkisson-Kara further said Nkosi did not report to work the following day owing to first- and second-degree burns she had sustained to her left cheek and left hand.

Following Qwabe’s death, his family members discovered that his cellphone and bank card were still active, with police investigations revealing Nkosi was using the deceased’s card and banking app to make cash withdrawals and pay for purchases.

She was subsequently arrested and an analysis of her cellphone records led to Mtambo’s arrest three months later.

Court proceedings

“In court, the State, represented by advocates Alex Moolman and Nokulunga Ngcobo, led the evidence of the police officers who attended the scene, as well as cellphone evidence confirming the communication between the accused, their location, and also the communication between Nkosi and Qwabe,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

“The State also handed in evidence of WhatsApp messages between the accused before and after Qwabe’s murder. Footage from CCTV cameras at the ATM where Nkosi used Qwabe’s bank card was also submitted as evidence.

“In aggravation of the sentence, the State handed in Victim Impact Statements compiled by Qwabe’s family members and facilitated by court preparation officers Bhekithemba Hopewell Sithole and Mbalenhle Valencia Komane.

“The statements described Qwabe as a kind and supportive person who had a vested interest in the community. The family said they had difficulty coming to terms with his death, especially since he was killed in such a gruesome manner,” added Ramkisson-Kara.

She said Mtambo was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for murder. In sentencing him, the court considered the fact that he was a first offender and that he was not present on the scene when the offence was committed as substantial and compelling reasons to deviate from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Both accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.

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