THE High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, in Mthatha has sentenced Mbongeni Sandile (31) and Ayanda Wahlinzwa (27) to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Monwabisi Mkhondweni (60).
According to Luxolo Tyali, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), they were also sentenced to 10 years for kidnapping, and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, which the court ordered to run concurrently with the life sentences.
“The harrowing incident took place on April 6, 2022, after the deceased had just received his pension payout and was enjoying a night out at Lonwabo Tavern in Nkondlo Village, in the district of Ngcobo. Mkhondweni had been generous with his resources, purchasing drinks for fellow patrons, including a woman known to him. During the night, Sandile and Wahlinzwa, along with the intoxicated woman, entered Mkhondweni’s vehicle with his consent,” said Tyali.
He said that in a shocking turn of events, the two ordered him to stop the car and pushed the heavily drunk woman out onto a footpath. There were two women in the car.
According to Tyali, they then drew knives, assaulted him, and forced him and another woman into the boot of the car.
“They drove to a secluded area in the forest, where they demanded his bank cards and PIN codes, before continuing their violent assault, ultimately stabbing him to death and abandoning his body deep within the forest.
The robbers then travelled to Engcobo town, where they withdrew over R15 000 from his accounts. During this time the second woman managed to escape their clutches and sought help,” said Tyali.
He said that the following day Wahlinzwa was apprehended after crashing the vehicle they had stolen from the deceased.
He added that upon being questioned, he led the police to the site where they had disposed of his lifeless body, near All Saints Area.
Despite pleading not guilty during their trial, the evidence presented by State Advocate Nkululeko Mzinyathi, including testimonies from key witnesses, was sufficient to secure convictions against the two.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, welcomed the life sentences handed down by the court.
He emphasised the importance of upholding human life, and the commitment of the prosecution and law enforcement to vigorously pursue murder cases to serve as a deterrent to would-be perpetrators.
“Justice has been served today, and we hope this outcome sends a clear message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated in our society,” said Madolo.
He said the community mourns the tragic loss of Mkhondweni, whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. The NPA remains committed to supporting the victims during this difficult time, and ensuring that justice prevails for all victims.
