A 46-year-old man, Muzikayise Koloba Fakude, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 71-year-old Sebenzile Manzophi Simelane in Mpumalanga. The crime took place on September 9, 2022, in Mkhondo, when Fakude, along with unidentified accomplices, entered Simelane’s home with the intent to rob her. After being told that there was no money in the house, Fakude violently attacked Simelane with a bush knife, causing severe injuries before disposing of her body in a nearby river.
The discovery of Simelane’s body in the river led to an investigation, ultimately resulting in Fakude’s arrest. Despite pleading not guilty, Fakude was convicted based on strong circumstantial evidence, including his formal admissions and a police-led pointing-out procedure. Senior advocate Themba Lusenga, for the prosecution, presented key testimony from an eyewitness who saw Fakude guide the police to the crime scene and describe the disposal of the victim’s body. Additionally, forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, confirmed the presence of Simelane’s blood on the weapon used in the attack.
A post-mortem report revealed that Simelane had suffered severe injuries, including partial decapitation, which led to her death. During the sentencing, an emotional victim impact statement was delivered by Simelane’s granddaughter, who spoke about the immense psychological toll on the family after losing their beloved grandmother in such a brutal manner. Lusenga urged the court to impose a severe sentence to reflect the gravity of the crime and deter similar offenses.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Mpumalanga welcomed the sentence and reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes. NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa emphasized the organization’s dedication to upholding the law and prosecuting cases that impact the safety and well-being of communities.
In a separate case, another violent crime case was recently reported in Mpumalanga. In December, Thulani Foshini Sikhundla, 40, was sentenced for the murders of his girlfriend, Dorris Alina Sibiya, and her young daughter, Noxolo Simile Khoza. The incident occurred on April 2, 2024, after a domestic argument escalated into a confrontation, resulting in the tragic deaths of both victims. Sikhundla fled the scene, but the lives of Sibiya and Khoza were tragically cut short. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of the NPA to pursue justice and ensure that violent crimes are addressed in the courts.
