By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
11 November 2026 – A 36-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a female relative (61) and attempting to kill another family member during a violent attack at a home in Buchanana, Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. The accused, Siphamandla John Mzileni was sentenced to life imprisonment by the KwaZulu-Natal High Court sitting at Mtunzini, following his conviction on charges of murder, attempted murder and housebreaking with intent to kill.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the incident occurred in January 2026, following a family dispute over the inheritance of a deceased relative’s estate. Ramkisson-Kara said the evidence presented in court revealed that on 2 January 2026, Mzileni convened a family meeting to discuss the inheritance.
“During the meeting, a disagreement erupted and he threatened to shoot the victim (61). The deceased subsequently reported the threat to the local Induna and the police before initiating an application for a domestic violence protection order.
“However, later that evening, Mzileni allegedly arrived at the victim’s home armed with his licensed firearm, while she was asleep with another relative. He forcibly entered the house and confronted the woman in her bedroom, where he shot and stabbed her, inflicting fatal injuries. He also shot and injured the other relative who was inside the bedroom,” she said.
Ramkisson-Kara further said the incident was reported to the police, leading to Mzileni’s subsequent arrest. She added that during the trial, advocate Pretty-Girl Thobile Ntsele led the evidence of an eyewitness, while the state also presented ballistic evidence and post-mortem findings to support its case. She added Ntsele further submitted Victim Impact Statements compiled by members of the deceased’s family, with assistance from Court Preparation Officer Mandisa Paulette Sikakane.
“In their statements, the family members detailed the devastating emotional and psychological impact of the crime, describing the pain, trauma and grief they continue to experience, as well as its ongoing physical and psychological effects.
“The court sentenced Mzileni to five years’ imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to kill, life imprisonment for murder and 12 years imprisonment for attempted murder. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
She said he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. Ramkisson-Kara said the sentence reinforces NPA’s commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), while ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
“The authority would continue working with its partners in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to pursue evidence-led prosecutions and secure justice for victims and their families. The NPA reiterated that addressing GBVF remains an organisational priority.
“It further emphasised its commitment to ensuring that victims and their families receive justice through effective prosecutions and accountability for those responsible for violent crimes,” she said.
Ramkisson-Kara said the NPA welcomed the sentence imposed.
