By Kopano Dibakwane
A 12-year direct imprisonment sentence was handed down by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court to former traffic officer, Abednego Desmond Mbuyane(39), after he was found guilty of housebreaking and the murder of his wife’s boyfriend, Thamsanqa Sibusiso Nkosi.
The incident reportedly took place at Kwanyoni Lodge in Nelspruit on 15 April 2023.
According to Mpumalanga spokesperson for the Hawks, Mbuyane grew suspicious of his wife’s whereabouts and tracked her vehicle using the GPS tracking device, which led him to the lodge. He is said to have forcibly entered the room where he found his wife in the company of the deceased.
An altercation reportedly ensued ,prompting the wife and the deceased to flee. Mbuyane pursued the deceased, fatally shooting him in the head and shoulder before fleeing the scene. Mbuyane later handed himself to the police
“ During court proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty to murder and housebreaking. However, the state rejected the plea because the matter was premeditated. State Prosecutor, Senzo Zindela, led compelling testimonies from the accused’s wife and eyewitness, both of whom corroborated the events leading up to the murder. In mitigation, the accused claimed he had no intention to kill and he merely sought to confront his wife,” said Captain Nkosi.
NPA(National Prosecuting Authority) regional spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said Mbuyane was convicted after the evidence presented in court was evaluated.
Nyuswa said the accused was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for housebreaking and 12 years imprisonment for murder, and the sentences will run concurrently, resulting in the 12 year direct imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“ The NPA, and the Hawks, nore the sentence and reaffirm the unwavering commitment to delivering justice for victims of violent crimes. The NPA continues to prosecute serious crimes daily, upholding the rule of law and strengthening public confidence in the justice system,” said Nyuswa
