NXUBA – The Nxuba Regional Court has sentenced Iviwe Zwide (21) to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the attempted murder of Luyolo Dusubana (22) on Third Avenue in Nxuba on 22 December 2024.
Luxolo Tyali, National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson, said that the court heard that Dusubana was driving a white Mercedes-Benz, accompanied by friends travelling in separate vehicles.
They were travelling to a homecoming event.
He said that while Dusubana exited his vehicle to close a malfunctioning passenger door, he was confronted by Zwide, who asked whether he remembered him.
Tyali said that the confrontation stemmed from a prior altercation involving Zwide’s girlfriend.
“Zwide then stabbed and overpowered Dusubana, continuing the assault until a passerby intervened and stopped the attack. When Dusubana’s convoy realised he was no longer following them, they returned to search for him and found him lying on the ground, seriously injured and bleeding,” said Tyali.
He further said that emergency services were immediately contacted, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he received urgent medical treatment.
Tyali said that the accused was arrested on 3 January 2025 after the complainant was discharged from the hospital and formally opened a case with the local police.
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He said that during the trial, Zwide pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defence.
The court rejected this version, finding that the attack was deliberate and premeditated.
State Prosecutor Makabongwe Seyibokwe led evidence for the State, including the J88 medical report confirming that the complainant’s injuries were life-threatening, as well as testimony from the complainant and two eyewitnesses.
“The court considered the seriousness of the offence, the vulnerability of the victim at the time of the attack, and the impact of the crime on the victim’s family and the broader community. Finding no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence, the court imposed the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment,” said Tyali.
Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, said, “This sentence sends a strong message that acts of violence will not be tolerated. It reflects the coordinated efforts of the criminal justice system, from the swift response of the police and the thorough investigation to the dedicated prosecution team who ensured that justice was served. We commend all involved for their commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
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