Woman handed 57 years for murder and kidnapping

A rare conviction of a woman for a string of serious violent and organised crimes has drawn attention to the small number of female offenders who receive lengthy prison sentences for offences of this nature.

Nonhlanhla Portia Nkosi, 30, was on Wednesday sentenced to an effective 57 years imprisonment by the Evander Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga for murder, kidnapping, cybercrime, robbery and related offences. The sentencing followed an extensive police investigation into the disappearance and death of Sfiso Lucky Khubeka, who was reported missing on 21 April 2024.

Cases in which women are convicted and sentenced to long terms for violent crimes remain uncommon in South Africa, particularly where offences involve organised criminal syndicates and multiple counts spanning cybercrime and physical violence. The Nkosi matter has therefore been described by law enforcement as exceptional in both its scope and outcome.

The court heard that investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involved in kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, intimidation, cyber fraud and robbery. Nkosi was arrested following evidence that linked her to the crimes, and the State presented what it described as a watertight case.

Nkosi pleaded guilty to eight counts, including the kidnapping of Khubeka, the kidnapping and assault of another victim whose identity cannot be disclosed, contravention of the Cybercrimes Act, cyber fraud, robbery with aggravating circumstances, intimidation and the murder of Khubeka.

According to evidence presented in court, Khubeka’s body was later discovered floating in the Roodebank River. His hands were tied with cable ties, and his legs were bound with a rope attached to a large rock, indicating the severity of the violence involved.

Three co accused, Mandla Skosana, Sibusiso Skosana and Seun Mpenzi, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and will continue to stand trial.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the sentence, noting the dedication of investigators in bringing the matter to finality. He commended police detectives, prosecutors and the judiciary for their roles in securing the conviction and sentence.

Mkhwanazi said the outcome demonstrated that all perpetrators, regardless of gender, would be held accountable for serious crimes. He added that the police would continue to pursue those involved in organised and violent criminal activities.

The case has highlighted both the brutality of crimes sometimes committed within organised syndicates and the reality that, while rare, women can and do play central roles in such offences. The sentence imposed is expected to serve as a deterrent and reinforce the message that the justice system will act decisively where evidence supports conviction.