The High Court of South Africa sitting in Mbombela has sentenced a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, whom he set on fire during a domestic dispute in Carolina.
The convicted man, Innocent Sthembiso Maseko, was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Mbali Lucy Ngubeni, following a violent altercation at their shared home in Silobela.
According to a statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority, the fatal incident occurred on Aug. 20, 2024, when the couple, who were in a domestic relationship and living together, became involved in an argument inside their bedroom.
Spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the disagreement escalated into a violent confrontation. During the altercation, Maseko poured petrol over Ngubeni and set her alight.
Despite suffering severe burn injuries, Ngubeni managed to escape from the room and ran down the passage of the house in an attempt to seek help.
She called out to a friend who was asleep in another room of the house at the time. The friend quickly responded and rushed to assist her.
The witness managed to extinguish the flames by pouring water over Ngubeni before emergency assistance was arranged.
Ngubeni was subsequently rushed to hospital, where she received medical treatment for extensive burn injuries. However, despite medical efforts to save her life, she succumbed to her injuries about a week after the attack.
Authorities said the incident was later reported to the police, prompting an investigation that led to Maseko’s arrest.
During the trial, Maseko pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder and denied responsibility for the incident. He claimed that he was not present at the time Ngubeni caught fire.
However, prosecutors presented evidence from several witnesses to challenge his version of events.
Among the key testimonies was that of Ngubeni’s friend, who described the events she witnessed immediately after hearing Ngubeni’s cries for help and discovering her engulfed in flames.
The prosecution also relied on a statement made by Ngubeni before her death. This statement was admitted in court as part of the evidence presented against Maseko.
The court carefully evaluated the testimonies and evidence provided during the trial. After reviewing the facts, the judge concluded that the State’s witnesses were credible and reliable.
The court rejected Maseko’s claim that he was not present during the incident and determined that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that he was responsible for Ngubeni’s death.
When delivering the sentence, the presiding judge emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the responsibility of courts to respond firmly to acts of gender-based violence and domestic abuse.
The judge stated that the courts have a duty to send a strong message that violent crimes, particularly those committed against intimate partners, will not be tolerated.
After considering all the circumstances of the case, the court found that there were no substantial or compelling reasons that would justify imposing a lesser sentence.
As a result, the court sentenced Maseko to life imprisonment for the murder.
In addition to the life sentence, the court declared Maseko unfit to possess a firearm in the future.
The court also dismissed his application for leave to appeal the conviction and sentence, meaning the ruling stands unless a higher court decides otherwise through further legal proceedings.
The case highlights ongoing concerns in South Africa about domestic violence and gender-based violence, which remain major social challenges in the country.
Authorities and advocacy groups have repeatedly called for stronger measures to prevent violence against women and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Prosecutors said the successful conviction and sentencing demonstrate the justice system’s commitment to holding offenders accountable for serious crimes and protecting victims of domestic violence.
The National Prosecuting Authority said it hopes the outcome of the case will provide some measure of justice for Ngubeni’s family and serve as a warning to others who commit violent acts against their partners.
The tragic killing of Mbali Lucy Ngubeni has drawn attention to the devastating consequences of domestic violence, reinforcing calls for greater awareness, prevention efforts and support for victims across South Africa.
