South African woman, Nonjabulo Nokukhanya Nkosi, has been given a life sentence for murdering her boyfriend, Dumisani Qwabe, 47, who was running for ward councilor. Nkosi, 37, initially planned to hire a hitman but when that failed, she carried out the murder herself. The Pietermaritzburg High Court sentenced her for the crime.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority in KZN, Nkosi was romantically involved with Qwabe and decided to kill him. She initially tried to arrange for a hitman through Xolani Skhumbuzo Mtambo, but when that plan failed, she procured a firearm and petrol to commit the murder on her own. On October 25, 2021, Nkosi met Mtambo at a marketplace, where he loaded the firearm for her and instructed her on its use. Later, Qwabe received a call from Nkosi, after which he left his house and was killed.
“Later that night, his motor vehicle was found engulfed in flames on the road between Nongoma and Pongola, with his burnt remains inside.”
The NPA said Nkosi did not report to work the next day due to first and second-degree burns she 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. Police investigations revealed that Nkosi was using Qwabe’s bank card and banking app to make cash withdrawals and pay for purchases,”Ramkisson-Kara said.
“She was subsequently arrested, and an analysis of her cellphone records led to Mtambo’s arrest, three months later.
In court the state handed in evidence of WhatsApp messages between both the accused before and after Qwabe’s murder, the NPA said.
“Footage from CCTV cameras at the ATM where Nkosi used Qwabe’s bank card, was also submitted as evidence.”
In aggravation of sentencing, victim impact statement handed to court 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.”
In addition to life, Nkosi was sentenced to five years imprisonment for theft.
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,” said Ramkisson-Kara.