The Bedford Regional Court has sentenced Lusizo Manjo (33) to an effective 10 years’ imprisonment following his conviction on charges of housebreaking with intent to assault and cause grievous bodily harm, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and failure to comply with a court order relating to domestic violence.
National Prosecution Authority Regional Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said that the charges stemmed from a violent incident that occurred on 20 September 2024, just three days after Manjo had been released on parole.
He said that on the night of the incident, the complainant, Manjo’s ex-girlfriend, was asleep with her family in Phola Park.
Tyali said that shortly after 23:00, she awoke to go into another room and was startled to find her ex-boyfriend standing behind her.
“He asked her to leave with him, but when she screamed in alarm, the rest of the household woke up. When questioned by the complainant’s father about how he had entered the house, Manjo falsely claimed that a child had opened the door, despite the child being asleep on the couch,” said Tyali.
“After repeated requests to leave, Manjo refused and instead drew a knife, stabbing the complainant on her arm. The complainant’s father struck him with a stick, forcing him to leave.”
Tyali said that Manjo later returned and pelted the house with stones, shattering all the windows.
He said that the following morning, the complainant reported the matter to the police.
Manjo also presented himself at the police station, claiming he had been assaulted by the complainant’s father.
“He was arrested five days later, on 25 September 2024, and his parole was revoked,” said Tyali.
During the trial, Regional Court Prosecutor Dandolo Maxhaulana led the testimony of the complainant, her father, the J88 medical report, and evidence of the protection order against Manjo.
Tyali said that the court heard that Manjo had a long history of violence and intimidation against the same complainant.
He said that in May 2023, he was convicted of breaching a protection order and sentenced to a fine of R3,000 or six months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended.
Meanwhile, in March 2024, he was convicted on two further counts of breaching a protection order, receiving 24 months’ direct imprisonment on one count and a wholly suspended six-month sentence on the second.
Tyali said that his criminal record also included a 2010 conviction for possession of drugs, for which he received a fine of R150 or 15 days’ imprisonment.
In his defence, Manjo alleged that he and the complainant had remained in contact during his incarceration, claiming she had called him in prison.
“During the sentencing, the court imposed 10 years’ imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to assault, 10 years for assault to cause grievous bodily harm, and 10 years for contravening a protection order,” said Tyali.
He said that the sentences on the first two counts were ordered to run concurrently with the third, resulting in an effective 10 years’ direct imprisonment.
The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Welcoming the outcome, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, praised the prosecution and investigators for their dedication to tackling gender-based violence.
“This sentence affirms the role of the justice system in protecting women from repeat offenders who show blatant disregard for court orders and for the safety and dignity of others. We welcome the court’s firm stance and hope it sends a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated in our society,” said Madolo.
“The National Prosecuting Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to combating gender-based violence and ensuring survivors receive the justice and protection they deserve.”
