The Mthatha High Court has sentenced 39-year-old Noncedo Mqokro to 15 years in prison for killing her boyfriend and aunt, and for housebreaking with intent.
Mqokro pleaded guilty to the crimes, which took place on 19 May 2024 in Khabakazi village, Centane. In her statement, she admitted to stabbing the victims after discovering them in bed together. She had returned from a traditional ceremony in her home village of Nondindwa and decided to visit her boyfriend unannounced. Upon finding him engaged in a sexual act with her aunt, she retrieved a knife hidden in his home and attacked both.
She claimed the pair were still alive when she left after they apologised. Mqokro then informed the boyfriend’s mother of the incident and later handed herself over to police. The victims later succumbed to their injuries.
The court handed her 15 years for each murder and eight years for housebreaking, with the sentences to run concurrently.
During sentencing, the court considered her medical condition, history of abuse by the deceased boyfriend, and her expression of remorse. A pre-sentence report revealed she had suffered abuse in a previous marriage and was receiving a social grant due to epilepsy.
State Advocate Loyiso Methuso acknowledged the tragic loss for the children involved, particularly as Mqokro’s youngest daughter now blames her for her father’s death.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence, urging others in abusive relationships to seek lawful help, warning that unlawful actions carry serious consequences.
