Life Imprisonment Handed to Duo Responsible for Homeowner’s Murder, Assault on Wife, and Disturbing Act Involving 5-Year-Old
Two individuals who committed a heinous act resulting in the death of a homeowner, the assault of his wife, and the horrifying mistreatment of their 5-year-old grandchild, have been sentenced to life imprisonment, accompanied by an additional 15 years of incarceration for charges of murder and robbery.
Khulufelo Makhudu (24) and Gift “Five Minutes” Mbola (28) were found guilty and subsequently sentenced by the Emalahleni Regional Court on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Their actions, which transpired in 2019, involved the premeditated murder of Petrus Cornelius Swanepoel and a robbery under circumstances of aggravation.
In August 2019, the duo unlawfully entered the victim’s residence in Klipfontein, eMalahleni, where they encountered the deceased’s wife alongside her 5-year-old grandson in the kitchen. Shockingly, the young child was subjected to the torment of being placed inside an oven, while the assailants proceeded to violently assault and restrain the woman, causing severe facial injuries. In addition to this cruel act, they made off with valuable possessions including two plasma TVs, three cellphones, jewelry, and a firearm.
As they attempted to flee, they encountered Petrus Cornelius Swanepoel, whom they forced to lie down before tragically shooting him dead. The perpetrators absconded in the victim’s vehicle, later abandoning it near Kusile Power Station.
Ultimately, their arrest was facilitated by incriminating evidence, such as fingerprints discovered on the abandoned vehicle. Testimonies provided by a surviving victim and a witness who purchased the stolen items corroborated the case. The ordeal deeply impacted the surviving victim, leaving her with a shattered eye socket and her grandson traumatized. Furthermore, the loss of her husband, the family’s primary breadwinner, places her in imminent danger of losing their home due to financial hardship.
Magistrate Combrink rendered his verdict, finding the accused guilty on all charges. The ensuing sentence comprised life imprisonment for murder and an additional 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. Both individuals were deemed unfit to possess firearms under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
The National Prosecuting Authority expressed its approval of the imposed sentence and commended the dedicated investigative team and prosecutor. Monica Nyuswa, NPA Regional Spokesperson, emphasized that this ruling is intended to serve as a deterrent against future violent offenses and hopes it resonates as a stern message to potential wrongdoers.