The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in South Africa has sentenced Thulani Foshini Sikhundla, 40, to two life terms and an additional five years imprisonment for the brutal murders of his girlfriend, Dorris Alina Sibiya, and her daughter, Noxolo Simile Khoza.
The tragic incident unfolded on April 2, 2024, in Matsulu B. Sikhundla visited Sibiya’s home, and an argument over alleged infidelity escalated into violence. He attacked Noxolo in her bedroom before fatally stabbing Sibiya multiple times. Sibiya’s teenage son tried to intervene but escaped unharmed despite being targeted. Sikhundla fled into the mountains, leaving the two victims dead at the scene.
During the trial, Sikhundla pleaded not guilty and showed no remorse. Evidence presented by Senior State Advocate Ashwin Poodhun included eyewitness accounts, postmortem reports, and distressing photographs. A victim impact statement revealed the profound emotional and financial toll on the surviving family. Advocate Poodhun emphasized that Sikhundla’s actions were a grave violation of societal values that demand the protection and respect of women and children.
Judge Sheila Msibi ruled that the severity of the crimes left no grounds for leniency. She imposed the maximum sentences of two life terms for the murders and an additional five years for attempted murder. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated that the ruling underscores its commitment to justice and community safety, delivering a stern warning to potential offenders about the consequences of violent crimes.
This case has drawn attention to the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in South Africa, reinforcing the justice system’s resolve to act decisively in protecting vulnerable members of society.
