South African Woman Sentenced for Double Murder
The High Court in Mthatha has imposed a sentence of 15 years on a 39-year-old woman for the double homicide of her boyfriend and distant aunt, whom she found together in bed, as well as for breaking and entering with the intent to commit a crime.
Noncedo Mqokro, hailing from Nondindwa village in Centane, received a 15-year sentence for each murder and an additional eight years for housebreaking; however, the court ruled that these sentences would be served concurrently.
In her plea explanation, Mqokro disclosed that on May 19, 2024, after drinking at a local traditional ceremony, she opted to surprise her boyfriend with an unannounced visit to his neighboring village of Khabakazi—a practice she claimed was not unusual for her.
Upon reaching his residence, she stated he refused to let her in. Looking through a window, she witnessed him engaged in sexual activity with her distant aunt from her maternal clan.
“In a moment of intense anger, she forced the door open, retrieved a dagger hidden by her boyfriend inside a bucket, and stabbed both individuals,” reported the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson.
Mqokro mentioned that although she could not recall the exact number of stabs inflicted, she maintained that both were still alive when they apologized before she left.
She subsequently confessed to her boyfriend’s mother and turned herself into police at the scene. Tragically, both victims died from their injuries the next day.
The court took into account a pre-sentencing report which indicated that Mqokro suffers from epilepsy and receives social assistance due to this condition; additionally, it revealed that she had endured an abusive marriage.
It was highlighted that her now-deceased boyfriend had previously been abusive towards her, further exacerbating her feelings of insecurity.
While acknowledging the severity of the offenses and their impact on the children left behind by the victims, the State also recognized Mqokro’s display of remorse.
State Advocate Loyiso Methusohe underscored that these crimes led to significant loss—for both lives taken and guardianship lost for their children—but also noted Mqokro’s need for professional help since her youngest daughter holds her responsible for their father’s death.
In response to the verdict, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo stressed that individuals facing abuse must pursue legal avenues to resolve their circumstances. He indicated that this sentence should serve as a warning to others in abusive situations about seeking lawful interventions rather than resorting to criminal actions which lead to imprisonment.
The High Court in Mthatha has imposed a sentence of 15 years on a 39-year-old woman for the double homicide of her boyfriend and distant aunt, whom she found together in bed, as well as for breaking and entering with the intent to commit a crime.
Noncedo Mqokro, hailing from Nondindwa village in Centane, received a 15-year sentence for each murder and an additional eight years for housebreaking; however, the court ruled that these sentences would be served concurrently.
In her plea explanation, Mqokro disclosed that on May 19, 2024, after drinking at a local traditional ceremony, she opted to surprise her boyfriend with an unannounced visit to his neighboring village of Khabakazi—a practice she claimed was not unusual for her.
Upon reaching his residence, she stated he refused to let her in. Looking through a window, she witnessed him engaged in sexual activity with her distant aunt from her maternal clan.
“In a moment of intense anger, she forced the door open, retrieved a dagger hidden by her boyfriend inside a bucket, and stabbed both individuals,” reported the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson.
Mqokro mentioned that although she could not recall the exact number of stabs inflicted, she maintained that both were still alive when they apologized before she left.
She subsequently confessed to her boyfriend’s mother and turned herself into police at the scene. Tragically, both victims died from their injuries the next day.
The court took into account a pre-sentencing report which indicated that Mqokro suffers from epilepsy and receives social assistance due to this condition; additionally, it revealed that she had endured an abusive marriage.
It was highlighted that her now-deceased boyfriend had previously been abusive towards her, further exacerbating her feelings of insecurity.
While acknowledging the severity of the offenses and their impact on the children left behind by the victims, the State also recognized Mqokro’s display of remorse.
State Advocate Loyiso Methusohe underscored that these crimes led to significant loss—for both lives taken and guardianship lost for their children—but also noted Mqokro’s need for professional help since her youngest daughter holds her responsible for their father’s death.
In response to the verdict, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo stressed that individuals facing abuse must pursue legal avenues to resolve their circumstances. He indicated that this sentence should serve as a warning to others in abusive situations about seeking lawful interventions rather than resorting to criminal actions which lead to imprisonment.
