KZN man gets life for murdering partner on Christmas Day

In Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, a man named Sibusiso Philani Hlongwa, 42, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his partner on Christmas Day in 2024. The victim's identity has not been disclosed. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KZN reported that Hlongwa and the deceased were residing together in the Mahlongwa area of Umkomaas when the crime occurred.

According to NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, evidence presented in court indicated that Hlongwa visited the deceased's home and requested her to speak to him in an outbuilding. She complied and accompanied him. At roughly midnight, family members heard the deceased screaming inside the room. Upon investigation, they discovered her bleeding severely.

She informed them that Hlongwa had stabbed her before fleeing the scene. Emergency medical services were called, but the victim succumbed to her injuries upon arrival at the hospital. The NPA reported the incident to the police, who arrested Hlongwa the following day. During the trial, Prosecutor Akhile Gcume presented evidence from family members who found the deceased, the investigating officer, and the doctor who examined the victim's body.

Post-mortem reports were also submitted as part of the State's case. The family members submitted victim impact statements, detailing the profound changes in their lives since the deceased's death and the trauma of witnessing her final moments. The NPA remains committed to combating gender-based violence and femicide, working alongside partners in the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.

Hlongwa was also declared unfit to own a firearm and received the maximum punishment of life imprisonment.