Man sentenced to life for murdering his cousin
He handed himself to the police, confessed the crime and pointed out where the deceased's body was.
The High Court of South Africa in Middelburg sentenced a 25-year-old man, Nkosinathi Nzimande, to life imprisonment for murdering his 18-year-old cousin, Monica Lukhele.
The incident happened on July 11, when Nzimande went to attend a party with his family in Tweefontein; his cousin was also in attendance.
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Afterwards, they went to a tavern for some drinks. The court heard how Nzimande dragged Monica to a field near a garage and allegedly raped her on their way back from the tavern. She threatened to tell the family about the ordeal and a fight ensued. The accused hit his cousin on the face with a rock and strangled her. The victim died on the scene. Evidence brought in court revealed that after committing the offence, the accused went to a nearby house to ask for clean clothes, as he had bloodstains.
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According to the NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, Nzimande claimed consent of rape in court.
Judge Bruce Langa expressed dismay at the gruesome manner in which Monica was murdered by a relative. He sentenced Nzimande to life imprisonment for murder. The NPA welcomed the conviction and sentence, deeming it a victory towards ensuring that women and children live in freedom and security.
