Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Murder

The Mpumalanga Dion of the High Court has sentenced Abednego Desmond Mbuyane (39) to 12 years’ direct imprisonment for housebreaking and the murder of his wife’s boyfriend, Thamsanqa Sbusiso Nkosi. The conviction relates to an incident that occurred on 15 April 2023 at Kwanyoni Lodge in Nelspruit. On that day, Mbuyane tracked his wife's vehicle using a GPS device to the lodge, where he found her with Nkosi. An altercation ensued, leading to Mbuyane fatally shooting Nkosi before fleeing the scene. He later surrendered to the police.

During court proceedings, Mbuyane pleaded guilty to murder and housebreaking. However, the State rejected the plea, citing premeditation, and the matter proceeded to trial. Testimonies from Mbuyane’s wife and an eyewitness corroborated the events leading up to the murder. The court convicted Mbuyane of housebreaking and murder, sentencing him to five years for housebreaking and 12 years for murder, to run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) have noted the sentence and reaffirmed their commitment to delivering justice for victims of violent crime.