BLOEMFONTEIN – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa in Bloemfontein has welcomed the 22-year direct imprisonment sentence of murder accused Nonqithi Gumanda (55) for the fatal stabbing of constable Violet Khomotsoane. Sentencing was handed today – Monday following the accused’s conviction for stabbing the officer in the chest with a knife on 29 November 2024 in Freedom Square.
The deceased was then 50 years old at the time and succumbed to her injuries. Khomotsoane stationed at Bainsvlei police station.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson for the NPA in the Free State, said: “The NPA welcomes the sentence reflecting the gravity of the crime and underscores the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators of violent offences accountable. Violent crimes have devastating consequences that extend beyond.”
He said that Khomotsoane’s stabbing occurred after an unsuccessful intervention in a family dispute involving Gumanda and another family. “Khomotsoane, who was present at the time, attempted to intervene and defuse the situation. When her efforts proved unsuccessful, she walked away from the altercation. However, Gumanda followed Khomotsoane outside, stabbing her in the chest. Despite sustaining a fatal injury, Khomotsoane managed to walk to her nearby home, where she collapsed,” said Senokoatsane.
The state Prosecutor Amore Coetzee presented evidence demonstrating the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack. Senokoatsane said the court rejected Gumanda’s self-defence and her version alleging that she had merely intended to scare Khomotsoane.
“The court rejected both versions of her defence, finding them inconsistent with the evidence presented and the circumstances of the attack. Gumanda was consequently convicted of murder,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Coetzee placed before the court the evidence of the devastating impact of Khomotsosoane’s death on her family, particularly her minor children. Khomotsoane’s husband testified about the profound emotional trauma experienced by the children following the loss of their mother.
Senokoatsane said the court considered the impact of the offence, the senseless loss of life, and the enduring impact of Khomotsoane’s death on her loved ones. “The court heard that the children become distressed whenever they see a police vehicle because it reminds them of their mother. Their father further testified that he struggles to provide the same level of care, guidance, and emotional support that Khomotsoane had offered to the family.
