The High Court in Bhisho has sentenced Sithembiso Zondwa Dzengwa to 18 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, 27-year-old Babalwa Ngcakani. The incident happened on 17 December 2023 in Zone 6, Zwelitsha, near Qonce.
Dzengwa and Ngcakani, who shared a child, had been in a relationship. According to court evidence, Ngcakani entered Dzengwa’s flat early that morning, locked the door, and kept the keys after accusing him of cheating. An argument broke out. Dzengwa claimed that she attacked him and stabbed him first with a kitchen knife. In a panic, he grabbed the knife and stabbed her multiple times.
Neighbours, hearing the noise, came to the flat. Dzengwa had thrown the key out of the window. When they entered, they found Ngcakani lying in blood with multiple stab wounds. Emergency services confirmed she had died at the scene.
A post-mortem revealed 14 stab wounds, including a fatal injury to her lung and heart. Dzengwa also had injuries to his hands, ribs, and upper body. Though the court accepted that Ngcakani had started the fight, it ruled that Dzengwa’s response went beyond self-defence.
The State, led by Advocate Tanduxolo Soga, argued that the brutal nature of the attack showed clear intent to kill. In his defence, Dzengwa shared his troubled past and showed remorse for his actions.
The court acknowledged the complex nature of the case but found the force used was excessive. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence, saying it sends a strong message against domestic violence. They praised all who helped bring the case to justice.
