Don’t Look Away | Mpumalanga man sentenced for murder of his girlfriend and daughter

A man was sentenced in the Mpumalanga High Court for the murder of his girlfriend and her minor daughter. 

Thulani Foshini Sikhundla, 40, was convicted for the murders of his girlfriend, Dorris Alina Sibiya, and her daughter, Noxolo Simile Khoza. 

The court heard Sikhundla was in a domestic relationship with the mother of two living in Matsulu B. 

On April 2, 2024, Sikhundla visited his girlfriend at her home. An argument broke out between the couple due to allegations of infidelity. This argument escalated into a violent confrontation. 

The court heard that Sikhundla first attacked the daughter in her bedroom and then proceeded to stab Sibiya multiple times. 

Sibiya’s teenage son intervened after hearing the screams, fortunately, he managed to escape unharmed despite being attacked by his mother’s boyfriend. 

Sikhundla fled into the mountains and both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

During the trial, Sikhundla pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him and displayed no emotion or remorse for the crime he committed. 

Senior State Advocate Ashwin Poodhun presented an air-tight case before the court among the evidence were the photographs of the victims and post-mortem reports which confirmed the cause of death to be multiple stab wounds. 

Poodhun argued for a severe sentence, stating that the Sikhundla's actions were significantly out of step with societal values that respect and protect women.

A victim impact statement, prepared by Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena, reflected the lasting trauma and financial implications faced by the family due to these tragic events.

Judge Sheila Msibi determined that there were no substantial reasons to deviate from the statutory minimum sentences.

She sentenced Sikhundla to two life terms of imprisonment for the double murder and five years imprisonment for attempted murder. 

The provincial spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Monica Nyuswa said this sentence serves as a critical reminder of the NPA’s commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of victims in communities.

“The NPA aims to deliver a strong message to potential offenders that the justice system will respond sternly to acts of violence,” Nyuswa said. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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