A KwaZulu-Natal man will spend life in prison for murdering his partner after luring her into an outbuilding on Christmas Day.
Sibusiso Philani Hlongwa, 42, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Scottburgh Regional Court following his conviction for the murder of his 34-year-old partner.
The couple lived together in the Mahlongwa area of Umkomaas.
On the evening of 25 December 2024, Hlongwa reportedly asked the woman to accompany him to an outbuilding so they could talk.
Around midnight, relatives heard screams coming from the room.
They went to investigate and found the woman bleeding heavily. She told them that Hlongwa had stabbed her before fleeing.
Paramedics were called to the scene, but she was declared dead when they arrived.
Police arrested Hlongwa the following day.
During the trial, the State presented evidence from relatives who discovered the victim, the investigating officer and the doctor who examined her body. The post-mortem report was also presented in court.
Prosecutor Akhile Gcume also led victim impact statements from two of the deceased’s relatives. They described the emotional trauma caused by her death and the impact of witnessing her final moments.
The court also declared Hlongwa unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence, saying the prosecution of gender-based violence and femicide remains a priority.
The NPA said it would continue working with its Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster partners to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
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