A LIFE sentence was imposed on Nkosiyethu Sizeke (36) for killing his girlfriend Alindiwe Nodlabi (22).
The Eastern Cape division of the High Court in Mthatha also sentenced Sizeke to 30 years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and five years’ imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice. It was reported that Sizeke and Nodlabi were in a domestic relationship and lived together in Ngqeleni.
Before his arrest on an unrelated matter, the accused gave the Nodlabi an amount of R25 000 to keep on his behalf. Following his release from custody, he demanded the return of the money, but she no longer had it.
An argument ensued, during which Sizeke assaulted Nodlabi at their residence.
To escape the assault, the deceased informed him that the money was with her mother. Sizeke, accompanied by two associates who acted as runners in his drug-dealing operations, went to the deceased’s family home, where they confronted her mother and sister to recover the money.
When the money could not be produced, Nodlabi refused to return with the accused. He forcibly dragged her to his vehicle and drove her back to the home they shared.
Upon arrival, he shot her in the head in the presence of his two associates. She died at the scene. He then instructed the two men to remove her body from the property. Community members later discovered the body.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Sizeke, who was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Among the witnesses called by the state, Advocate Siphokazi Maarman led the evidence of the two associates, who testified as Section 204 witnesses.
“The witnesses told the court that the money at the centre of the dispute was the proceeds of drug trafficking. They further described the accused as a feared and ruthless figure within the community,” explained Luxolo Tyali, NPA regional spokesperson for the Eastern Cape division.
In handing down the sentence, Judge Mbulelo Jolwana agreed with the state’s submission that the scourge of femicide continues to escalate across 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. Incidentally, several women were recently found murdered in various places in the Ekurhuleni district of Gauteng,” he stated.
The court also highlighted the aggravating circumstances surrounding the offence.
According to Eastern Cape acting director of public prosecutions Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, the 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,” he concluded.
