Velly Teddy “Simbarara” Thwala, 40, has received a life sentence for the premeditated murder of
his 19-year-old girlfriend, Nontobeko Nosipho Msithini. The Mpumalanga Division of the High
Court recently convicted Thwala after several witnesses testified against him in the brutal killing
last year.

On the evening of February 18, 2023, Thwala became enraged after being told Msithini was at a
tavern with an ex-boyfriend. Prosecutors say he armed himself with a knobkerrie and assaulted
Msithini all over her body while dragging her back to his home in Barberton.

“When he noticed that she was no longer breathing, he put the body in a black bag,” said Monica
Nyuswa, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Mpumalanga.

Thwala initially pleaded not guilty and fired his legal representative to defend himself. However,
the state’s case proved overwhelming.

“One witness told the court that he saw Thwala assaulting the woman until she became
unconscious,” Nyuswa stated. “Other witnesses testified that they saw Thwala push the body in
a trolley to the dumping site. The confession Thwala made upon his arrest was also admitted in
court.”

In arguing for the life sentence, prosecutor Antionette Nkosi emphasized the seriousness of
Thwala’s crime and the prevalence of femicide in South Africa. The judge condemned Thwala’s
actions, stating the victim “died the most painful death” at the hands of someone who was
supposed to love her.

“The presiding judge remarked that Thwala had no regard for her life after he violently assaulted
her and even extinguished his cigarette on her lips before she died,” Nyuswa said.

In addition to the life sentence, Thwala was declared unfit to possess a firearm under the
Firearms Control Act.