In a recent ruling by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in South Africa, 51-year-old Josaya Ndlozi was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Sophie Phumzile Malele. Ndlozi’s conviction came after he accused Malele of cheating, which led to a violent confrontation.

Ndlozi, who lived with Malele and their three children in Lydenburg, had previously been served with an interim protection order. This order forbade him from assaulting, threatening, or harassing Malele due to their volatile relationship.

On February 8, 2023, while their children were at school, Ndlozi and Malele argued. The argument turned violent, and Ndlozi stabbed Malele in the upper body, causing her death. After realizing she was not moving, Ndlozi contacted a neighbor and the police. Malele was declared dead at the scene, having suffered multiple knife wounds to her neck.

In court, Ndlozi admitted to the crime and was found guilty of premeditated murder. The State Advocate, Senzo Zindela, argued that Ndlozi’s guilty plea, given the strong evidence against him, did not reflect genuine remorse.

Acting Judge Manthata highlighted that Ndlozi deprived Malele of her right to life, leaving their three children motherless. The judge emphasized that gender-based violence and femicide remain severe issues in communities. He decided that life imprisonment was the appropriate sentence, with no reason to deviate from this minimum.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence, stressing its commitment to addressing gender-based violence and protecting vulnerable individuals.