Life sentence for man who murdered girlfriend in Ngqeleni.

A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 22-year-old girlfriend following a dispute over R25,000 in Ngqeleni, Eastern Cape.

The Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha sentenced Nkosiyethu Sizeke to life imprisonment for the murder of Alindiwe Nodlabi.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Sizeke was also sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and five years’ imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice.

The NPA said evidence presented in court established that Sizeke and Nodlabi were in a domestic relationship and lived together in Marhewini Location, in the Marhubeni area of Ngqeleni.

Before Sizeke’s arrest on an unrelated matter, he gave Nodlabi R25,000 to keep on his behalf. Following his release from custody, he demanded the return of the money, but Nodlabi no longer had it.

According to the NPA, an argument followed, during which Sizeke assaulted Nodlabi at their residence.

Nodlabi told Sizeke that the money was with her mother. Sizeke, accompanied by two associates who the NPA said acted as runners in his drug-dealing operations, then went to Nodlabi’s family home.

There, they confronted her mother and sister in an attempt to recover the money.

When the money could not be produced, Nodlabi refused to return with Sizeke. According to the NPA, Sizeke forcibly dragged her to his vehicle and drove her back to the home they shared.

Upon their arrival, Sizeke shot Nodlabi in the head in the presence of the two associates. She died at the scene.

The NPA said Sizeke then instructed the two men to remove Nodlabi’s body from the property. Her body was later discovered by members of the community.

Investigations subsequently led to Sizeke’s arrest. He was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

During the trial, Advocate Siphokazi Maarman led the evidence of the two associates, who testified as Section 204 witnesses.

According to the NPA, the two witnesses testified that the R25,000 at the centre of the dispute was proceeds of drug trafficking. They also described Sizeke as a feared and ruthless figure within the community.

In handing down sentence, Judge Mbulelo Jolwana agreed with the State’s submission regarding the prevalence of femicide in South Africa.

“Regrettably, the situation is not getting better. It is getting worse, as every day women and children are being abused in various ways and even killed for the flimsiest of reasons, as if their lives do not matter. In some cases, their bodies are discarded. The accused similarly arranged for the deceased’s body to be removed and dumped,” Jolwana said.

The court also considered the circumstances surrounding the removal of Nodlabi’s body as an aggravating factor.

“The very act of dumping the body of the deceased as though she were a piece of rubbish is a serious aggravating factor, in addition to the offence of defeating the ends of justice. The accused showed absolutely no remorse,” Jolwana said.

Eastern Cape Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Samkelo Mtwana welcomed the sentence.

“This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence against women will be held fully accountable for their actions. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and femicide, while supporting all efforts aimed at eradicating these crimes from our communities,” Mtwana said.

The NPA said it remains committed to prosecuting perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide and ensuring justice for victims, their families and affected communities.

The statement was issued by Luxolo Tyali, NPA Regional Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Division.