Life sentence for Eastern Cape man in brutal domestic violence murder

The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa has welcomed a life sentence handed down to a 36-year-old man convicted of murdering his former girlfriend and attempting to kill her partner in a violent attack in Keiskammahoek.

The judgment was delivered by the High Court of South Africa, which imposed an effective life sentence on Mzwanele Anele Ningi following the fatal stabbing of 41-year-old Nozibele Tshangela and the attempted murder of 42-year-old Luphelo Mkhosana.

Pattern of abuse before fatal attack

Evidence presented in court revealed a history of domestic violence in the relationship. Earlier in 2021, Tshangela had opened a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and applied for a protection order after repeated abuse.

Although the assault charge was later withdrawn, the court heard that the abuse continued. In July 2021, Ningi again assaulted Tshangela and threatened any future partner, in violation of the protection order.

Night of the attack

On 12 September 2021, Ningi forced entry into Tshangela’s home, where she was with Mkhosana. He attacked Mkhosana, stabbing him multiple times. Despite serious injuries, Mkhosana managed to flee to nearby houses for help and was later hospitalised for more than two months.

Ningi then pursued Tshangela outside and stabbed her repeatedly. She was found outside her home and declared dead at the scene. A post-mortem confirmed multiple stab wounds as the cause of death.

The accused fled but was arrested the following day. Forensic evidence, including bloodstained clothing, linked him directly to the crime. Mkhosana also identified him as the attacker.

Court considers aggravating factors

During sentencing, State Advocate Lifa Matyobeni presented evidence highlighting the accused’s repeated abuse, disregard for court orders, and the extreme violence of the attack.

The court also took into account the impact of the crime on Tshangela’s family, including her two minor children.

Ningi was sentenced as follows:

• Life imprisonment for murder
• 15 years for attempted murder
• 8 years for housebreaking with intent to commit murder
• 2 years for contravening a protection order

All sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence.

NPA: Justice system taking GBV seriously

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo said the sentence reflects the seriousness with which the justice system treats gender-based violence and violations of protection orders.

The NPA also acknowledged the role of court officials and support staff who assisted during the trial, particularly in helping the surviving victim navigate the legal process.

A broader warning

The case again highlights the dangers faced by victims of domestic violence, even after seeking legal protection. Protection orders are intended to provide safety, but enforcement remains a critical challenge.

The outcome reinforces the role of the courts in holding perpetrators accountable and signals the continued prioritisation of gender-based violence cases within South Africa’s justice system.