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Alfred Nzo District Commissioner, Major General Nompumelelo Majikijela, has expressed her satisfaction with the South African Police team that ensured the successful prosecution of suspects involved in a heinous attack on two women in EMaxesibeni.
On December 12, 2018, a report was filed at Ngonyameni Location in EMaxesibeni, detailing a vicious assault on the Ntshamba family. Two women, Nonthethisa Ntshamba and her sister, were brutally beaten and set alight with petrol, with the suspects allegedly believing they were witches. The victims’ home was also torched.
Seven suspects, aged between 24 and 32, were arrested on December 14, 2018, and appeared in EMaxesibeni Court, where they were granted R2000 bail each.
After a lengthy investigation, the suspects were sentenced on May 3, 2024, on three charges, including two counts of murder and one of arson.
On June 12, they received two life sentences for the murder charges and 10 years for burning the house and illegal possession of firearms.
The suspects are:
- Ulandiso Mzaza (29)
- Lufefe Mzaza (27)
- Zithini Rhayiya (34)
- Yamkela Bara Nonjojo (32)
- Anelisa Nonjojo (28)
- Mkhonzeni Ngcabangcosi (24)
- Odwa Nonjojo (32)
Commissioner Majikijela commended the police officers involved in the investigation and encouraged community members to be patient with the police, emphasizing that thorough investigations take time. She praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their tireless efforts in gathering evidence to ensure criminals are brought to justice.
