A KwaZulu-Natalist Siphamandla Khumalo was found guilty of premeditated murder of his ex-girlfriend Nomfundo Missibi, 34, who stabbed her in the parking lot of Gateway Mall in Umhlanga, north of northern South Africa last year, on a charge of 34.
The Durban High Court received evidence from state advocate Krishen Shah, who introduced CCTV footage showing Khumalo repeatedly stabbing Missippi. Prosecutors also rely on testimony from two state witnesses – the victim’s boyfriend, Mthobisi Gasela and police officer det-constonst boitumelo phama to prove his case.
After the attack, Khumalo and another man fled the scene, leaving behind the body of Msibi.
On Monday, March 24, High Court Judge Jacqueline Henriques ruled that the state had proven Khumalo guilty. She said the 22 stab wounds caused by Missippi showed that Kumalo had clearly killed her.
Henrix said: “I am very satisfied with the murder.
According to the indictment, Msibi ended her relationship with Khumalo and had limited communication with him when he established a new relationship with him. On August 4, Khumalo’s brother contacted her, who asked her to meet at a store in Gateway Mall to finalize lay outfits for her children.
Henriques noted that Khumalo lured Misbi to the mall with a false excuse and prevented her from escaping. “This is what Gasla observed,” the judge added.
Khumalo, represented by legal aid lawyer Phumelele Danisa, pleaded not guilty and chose not to testify.
The victim impact statement of Misbi’s family has been brought to court. Meanwhile, Kumalo’s defense attorney is expected to raise arguments to mitigate and exacerbate sentencing in the next court lawsuit.
