Life sentence for man who killed girlfriend in Lindelani

The Ntuzuma Regional Court sentenced Mxolisi Mvula to a term of life imprisonment for the murder of Ntombikayise Phindile Mkhize in December 2022, in the Lindelani area of Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-Natal.

On the day of the incident, Mvula, 30, and Ms Mkhize, who was in her late 20s, argued in the presence of their mutual friend.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said Mvula then asked Ms Mkhize to go outside with him where he assaulted her several times by bashing her head into a brick wall.

“When she fell to the ground, he continued to assault her until she lost consciousness and subsequently died. Their friend witnessed the entire incident, but Mvula threatened to assault her as well, should she intervene. Mvula then fled the scene and was later arrested in the Bergville area,” said Ms Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.

In court, Prosecutor Kaystree Ramsamujh handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the Ms Mkhize’s mother and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Princess Mlangeni.

In the mother’s statement, she said: “The passing of my daughter was horrific, it is something I will never forget. It broke me and no one will ever take her place in my heart. The accused and the deceased never had a healthy relationship. They were always fighting.”

“Mvula was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, and by operation of the law, he was automatically declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.

“The NPA welcomes this successful prosecution. We commend the effective working relationship between the police and the prosecution. The National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 calls for safer communities, and successful prosecutions such as this is response to that call.”