The Mthatha High Court has sentenced 32-year-old Bongile Makhunga to life in jail for killing his girlfriend, Zihle Cebani, a student at Ingwe TVET College. This harsh sentence reflects Makhunga’s status as a repeat offender; he was on parole for murdering another girlfriend in 2016.
In addition to life imprisonment for murder, Makhunga received a 15-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 12 years for attempted murder, three years for reckless and negligent driving, and three months for driving without a valid driver’s license.
The crimes took place on July 2, 2024, when Makhunga, enraged after Cebani declined his invitation to spend the night, attacked her with a bush knife outside her boarding house in Badibanise settlement, KwaBhaca. After fleeing the scene, he assaulted a motorist, hijacking his vehicle while threatening the driver’s mother, forcing her to jump from the moving car. Makhunga’s reckless flight ended when he lost control of the stolen vehicle, which subsequently overturned, trapping him until police arrived.
Despite pleading guilty to the charges, Makhunga attempted to minimize his actions, prompting State Advocate Chumile Mkentane to bring forward a witness to clarify the facts. Advocate Mkentane argued that Makhunga shows a “total disregard for the law and other people’s lives,” labeling him a significant threat to society.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo praised the swift resolution of the case, emphasizing the importance of protecting communities from individuals like Makhunga. The sentence serves as a dire warning against femicide and violence in all its forms.
