A South African Police Service (SAPS) Constable, Mthokozisi Gregory Nene, 44, has been sentenced to an effective 25 years in prison for the murder of his wife, Nompilo Thobeka Nene, 40.
Nene was convicted by the Pietermaritzburg High Court this week after being found guilty of killing Nompilo in the Inchanga area of KwaZulu-Natal on July 22, 2022.
According to Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KZN, the incident occurred after the deceased confronted her husband for bringing his girlfriend to their matrimonial home.
“The couple were in an acrimonious marriage. On the day of the incident, the accused brought his girlfriend over to the matrimonial home,” the statement read.
“The deceased confronted him about this, leading to an altercation which resulted in the accused fatally shooting the deceased in the face with a high calibre weapon. The deceased died on the scene and the accused was arrested the following day.”
In court, the state presented evidence, including the testimony of an eyewitness, and submitted Victim Impact Statements compiled by the deceased’s family, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Princess Ntombi Khumalo....Read Full Article [Click Here>]
“Their statements described the deceased as somebody who was dynamic and who served both the community and her family. They further described how they have been adversely affected by the incident and that they now live in fear.”
Despite being convicted of murder under Section 51 (2) of the Minimum Sentences Act 105 of 1997—indicating that it was not premeditated and thus attracting a minimum sentence of 15 years—the court sentenced the accused to 25 years in prison, ten years more than the minimum prescribed sentence.
“The court was of the view that the aggravating circumstances, including the fact that the accused was a serving Police official and that the matter fell within the ambit of Gender-Based Violence and intimate partner femicide, warranted a robust sentence.”
In addition to the prison term, the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm. This case was successfully prosecuted by Advocate Melumzi Gula and Advocate Lauren Marais-Myeni.
“The NPA applauds the successful prosecution and commends the work done by the Prosecution team and Police. Together with our partners in the crime prevention cluster, we remain committed to the fight against GBV and intimate-partner femicide.”
