Madadeni courts sentence man to life behind bars for ex-girlfriend’s murder
Thwala had bruises on her thighs and knees, indicating that she had been dragged on the ground before being killed.
Thokoza Maxwell Ndlovu (38) was sentenced to life in prison by the Madadeni Regional Court for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Phindile Misi Thwala, in the Nkomazini area near Estcourt in October 2021.
When he was arrested, he was found to be in unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm (with an erased serial number) and ammunition and was sentenced to an additional 11 years in prison.
According to Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, NPA Regional Spokesperson, the couple was in an intimate relationship prior to the incident, with Ndlovu having paid labola to Thwala’s family.
“They lived together, and Thwala was physically and financially abused by him. To that end, she filed for a protective order and informed Ndlovu verbally that she was ending their relationship. He refused to accept it and continued to harass her,” Ramkisson-Kara explained.
She continued: “Thwala later entered another relationship and moved in with her new boyfriend. Her boyfriend was working the nightshift when Ndlovu barged into the house and forcibly took her away into a field, where he killed her with an unknown blunt object.”
Thwala had bruises on her thighs and knees, indicating that she had been dragged on the ground before being killed.
Ndlovu called her family after killing her and informed them of her death. He also called her boyfriend and threatened to kill him as well.
After police received a tip, he was apprehended 10 days later while hiding at his girlfriend’s house. He was discovered with the firearm and ammunition.
Regional Court Prosecutor Eddie Mbewu led the testimony of Thwala’s family members in court.
Because they were traumatized by the incident and found it difficult to confront Ndlovu in open court, the state enlisted the help of an intermediary who explained the court process and kept them calm.
Thwala’s sister stated that their family loved and trusted Ndlovu because he treated Thwala’s four children as if they were his own.
Ndlovu was sentenced to life in prison for murder, eight years for illegal possession of a prohibited firearm, and three years for illegal possession of ammunition. He will effectively serve a life sentence in prison.
“The National Prosecuting Authority applauds the successful conclusion of this case, as combating the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide remains an organization priority. We applaud the prosecution and SAPS for their efforts,” concluded Ramkisson-Kara.
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