South African Man Given Life Sentence For Stabbing His Girlfriend

Josaya Ndlozi, 51, was sentenced to life in prison by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in South Africa on Tuesday for the murder of his girlfriend, Sophie Phumzile Malele, whom he accused of infidelity.

Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 ruled the accused unsuitable to possess a firearm.

The accused and the dead shared a home in Lydenburg and had three children together, according to the court.

Prior to the incident, Malele had asked for an interim protection order against Ndlozi, with the provision that the accused not assault, threaten, or harass the dead since their relationship was explosive.

While the kids were in school on February 8, 2023, an altercation broke out between the deceased and the accused.

As things got worse, the accused stabbed Malele in the upper body with a knife, causing her to fall.

When he saw that Malele was still, he called the police and one of his neighbors.

Malele was pronounced dead at the scene, and the suspect was taken into custody. Malele death was declared to be as a result of multiple neck injuries caused by sharp objects.

Ndlozi entered a guilty plea in court and was found guilty of premeditated murder.

Senzo Zindela, the state attorney, requested that the court impose a fair penalty.

He added that the accused pleaded guilty due to the state’s overwhelming evidence against him, which does not indicate remorse.

Before delivering the sentence, Acting Judge Manthata stated that the accused violated the deceased’s constitutional right to life. As a result, three little children were left without their mother.

He remarked that gender-based violence and femicide remain a pandemic devouring our communities. He found no grounds to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressed pleasure with the sentencing and emphasized its steadfast commitment to prosecuting instances involving Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide.

According to NPA, this case is a sobering reminder of the necessity to defend society’s most vulnerable members and make offenders responsible for their crimes.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli