The High Court of South Africa in Mbombela has sentenced a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, whom he set alight during a domestic dispute in Carolina, Mpumalanga.
The convict, Innocent Sthembiso Maseko, was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Mbali Lucy Ngubeni, following a violent altercation at their home in Silobela, Carolina.
According to a statement issued on Friday, March 13, by National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, the court heard that the couple, who were in a domestic relationship and living together, began arguing in their bedroom on August 20, 2024.
Nyuswa said the argument escalated into a physical confrontation during which Maseko allegedly poured petrol over Ngubeni and set her on fire.
Despite sustaining severe burn injuries, Ngubeni managed to escape the room and ran down the passage of the house, calling for help from a friend who was asleep in another room. The friend rushed to her aid and managed to extinguish the flames by pouring water over her.
Ngubeni was later rushed to hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries a week later.
The incident was subsequently reported to police, leading to Maseko’s arrest.
During the trial, Maseko pleaded not guilty, claiming he was not present when Ngubeni caught fire.
However, the prosecution presented evidence from several witnesses, including testimony from Ngubeni’s friend who described what she witnessed during the incident. The State also relied on a statement made by the deceased before her death.
The court found the State’s witnesses credible and rejected Maseko’s version of events.
In delivering judgment, the presiding judge said courts have a duty to send a strong message that violent crimes of this nature will not be tolerated.
The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to warrant a lesser sentence and accordingly imposed life imprisonment.
Maseko was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, while his application for leave to appeal was dismissed.
