Claim of drunken rage fails as Eastern Cape High Court jails girlfriend’s killer for life
Gojana tried to get a lighter sentence by admitting to the attack but denying that he intended to kill her.
A life sentence has been handed down to 32-year-old Lindile Gojana by the Eastern Cape High Court for the premeditated murder of his partner, Xoliseka Mbali. The crime occurred on the afternoon of 21 October 2025 at Gojana's family home in Nqeleni’s Nothintsila village. Initially, a disagreement turned violent when Mbali expressed her desire to leave the household; she fled through an open window after an argument ensued.
Gojana pursued her, stabbing her multiple times before forcing her back inside and killing her on the bed. Gojana surrendered to the police the same evening.
During the trial, Gojana pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause serious injury, blaming his actions on excessive drinking and uncontrollable anger. However, this defense crumbled when the prosecution called Gojana's own grandmother and a forensic pathologist to testify. Both experts revealed the deliberate and systematic nature of the knife attack, providing clear evidence that Gojana had acted with intent to kill Mbali.
The court had no choice but to agree with the prosecution's argument and impose the maximum penalty under the law.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the severe punishment, emphasizing that claims of jealousy or intoxication cannot justify taking a life. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, stated that the harsh sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence against women will face full accountability for their actions.
Mtwana reaffirmed the NPA's commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and femicide, and supporting efforts to eradicate these crimes from communities.
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