The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Mthatha, sentenced Sihle Manciya (26) to two life terms for the murder of his 17-year-old girlfriend and her 70-year-old grandmother.
He was also given two more life terms for the attempted murder of his girlfriend’s mother and sister, to run concurrently.
Manciya admitted to stabbing the victims in their home in Qumbu on April 29, 2024, after suspecting his girlfriend, Simcelile Nozulu, was seeing another man.
The grandmother died at the scene, while the others were hospitalized. Manciya later confessed to his employer, leading to his arrest.
The court rejected the defense’s plea for a lighter sentence, emphasizing the severity of femicide and the need for a strong deterrent.
Barry Madolo, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, welcomed the sentence, stressing the importance of protecting human life.
