The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured convictions in two separate but deeply disturbing cases in KwaZulu-Natal — one involving the murder of an Estcourt woman by her partner in what prosecutors described as a premeditated act for financial gain, and another concerning the rape of an eight-year-old boy by his 28-year-old sister in Osizweni.
In the first matter, a Mooi River man has been sentenced following nearly three years of investigation and court proceedings for the murder of a 40-year-old Estcourt woman after luring her under false pretences.
Prosecutors said the accused, Vusimuzi Victor Makhaye, devised a plan to kill his partner, Nosipho Constance Madondo, before dumping her body in a nearby field, where it was later discovered with a plastic bag placed over her head.
Confirming the outcome, NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kar said the Estcourt Regional Court sentenced Makhaye to life imprisonment, along with an additional 23 years’ imprisonment. The murder, she said, took place in September 2023.
“Makhaye and Madondo, who were in a domestic relationship, resided in Mooi River and Estcourt, respectively. Before the incident, Makhaye devised a plan to kill Madondo and rob her of her belongings. He lured her to Mooi River under the pretext that he had arranged diesel for her vehicle, as she drove a diesel-powered vehicle,” said Ramkisson-Kar.
Madondo was last heard from on 1 September 2023, when she told a friend she was travelling to Mooi River to meet Makhaye.
Alarm was raised when she could not be reached for several hours.
“When she eventually got through, Makhaye answered Madondo’s phone and claimed she was fine, but refused to allow them to speak,” Ramkisson-Kar said.
Following this, her phone was soon switched off.
The friend reported her missing, prompting police to activate a tracking device fitted to her vehicle.
“On 5 September 2023, police, together with a vehicle tracking company, located the vehicle parked at a residence on Hilton Road. While observing the vehicle, they saw Makhaye approach it. Upon confronting him, police found him in possession of Madondo’s cellphone. He denied any knowledge of her whereabouts,” she explained.
Makhaye also attempted to mislead investigators by claiming Madondo was with another man in Mooi River, something later proven to be false.
He later conducted a pointing-out that led police to a field opposite the R103, where Madondo’s body was recovered. She had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, and her face had been covered with plastic. Bruising was also visible on her body.
“In court, Prosecutor Eddie Mbewu led evidence from police officials who recovered the vehicle. They testified about damage consistent with attempts to locate and remove the tracking device. Additional testimony revealed that Makhaye had sought advice on how to remove such a device. A member of Madondo’s family also testified, describing her as a devoted parent who loved her children,” said Ramkisson-Kar, adding that he was sentenced to 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, life imprisonment for murder, and eight years for defeating the administration of justice.
“The court ordered that the sentences for robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the administration of justice run concurrently. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA hopes this sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide will be held accountable,” she added.
In a separate case, the Madadeni Regional Court sentenced a 28-year-old woman to life imprisonment, with an additional five years, for the rape of her eight-year-old brother, bringing to an end a case that exposed ongoing abuse within a family home in Osizweni.
Ramkisson-Kar confirmed on Friday, 17 April 2026, that the sentence followed a guilty plea in terms of Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. The charges included rape and exposing a minor to pornographic material, with the abuse beginning when the child was eight years old.
According to the State, the offences took place at their home, where the accused lived with her mother and younger brother.
Between 2022 and 2024, she took advantage of times when she was alone with the child, forcing him to watch pornographic material before raping him. She used threats to keep him silent.
The abuse only came to light after a school intervention.
“The offences came to light in 2024, after the complainant attended a presentation at school, where learners were told to report anyone who touches their private parts. This presentation encouraged him to report the matter to his mother,” said Ramkisson-Kar. He was then taken to the Madadeni Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) for medical and psychosocial support.
Police arrested the accused soon after the matter was reported.
During sentencing, Prosecutor Zama Zikalala argued that she had betrayed her role as an older sister. The child’s mother also testified, describing the behavioural changes her son has experienced since the abuse.
The court sentenced her to life imprisonment for rape, with a concurrent five-year term for exposing a minor to pornography. She was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and her name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.
Taken together, the two matters underscore the deeply entrenched nature of violence against women and children in KwaZulu-Natal, often unfolding within relationships and family settings where trust is fundamentally breached.
While the courts have imposed the harshest available sentences, the cases also highlight the continued reliance on early reporting mechanisms, investigative coordination and institutional intervention in bringing such offences to light.
Furthermore, if you or anyone you know is facing similar circumstances it is imperative that you report the matter to the authorities to ensure justice is served.
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One Response
Always the children why they are so innocent it’s so very cruel to read these articles I pray the children will be healed and receive the professional care they need and the evil perpetrators suffer for life