NQANQARHU- Yonela Mbaxa (29) has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of her boyfriend, Sibusiso Lawrence Ncedo.
Makhanda High Court handed down the sentence on 13th November 2024.
Mbaxa was also charged with two years for unlawful possession of a firearm and one year for possession of ammunition. However, these sentences will run concurrently with the murder sentence.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) spokesperson in the Eastern Cape Luxolo Tyali, “The events that unfolded between 27 and 28 August 2022 at the Ntywenka Location in Nqaqarhu(formerly known as Maclear), were nothing short of tragic.
Mbaxa’s discovery of Ncedo’s newly acquired pistol sparked a chain of events that would ultimately lead to his demise, as she took control of the firearm and hid it from him.”
Tyali further stated that, “The situation took a deadly turn the following morning when a heated dispute erupted between the couple. In a fit of rage, Mbaxa followed Ncedo outside as he attempted to flee, firing at least two shots, one of which proved fatal, striking Ncedo in the back and killing him instantly,” Tyali added.
In addition Mbaxa’s initial account of the events was contradicted by forensic evidence, prompting her to revise her version of events. She eventually pleaded guilty to all charges on 28 October 2024.
State Advocate Willemien Vos argued for a harsh sentence, describing the crime as a senseless act of violence. The court concurred, taking into account the gravity of the crime and the fact that Ncedo was shot while trying to flee from Mbaxa.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP), Barry Madolo expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, commending the prosecution team and law enforcement for their efforts in bringing Mbaxa to justice.
“This case highlights the importance of thorough investigation and the need for strong sentencing in cases of intimate partner violence,” DPP Madolo said.
Photograph: supplied
