| Three life sentences imposed in Nkabinde for the murder of his in-laws | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/12/20 |
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Media Statement
NELSPRUIT - A 44-year-old man, Mthunzi Gifties Nkabinde, was sentenced to three terms of life imprisonment by the Middelburg High Court on Monday, 15 December 2025. Nkabinde was convicted following his appearance before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court in 2022 for the murder of his father-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law. The incident occurred at Emzinoni Township, Bethal, on Saturday, 09 April 2022. After making several appearances before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court, the matter was transferred to the Middelburg High Court for further handling and prosecution. During the trial, the court heard that a domestic dispute was taking place between the accused and his partner, during which family members attempted to intervene. It was during this intervention that the accused shot and killed his in-laws. Following the incident, a case docket consisting of three counts of murder, attempted murder, and malicious damage to property was opened and registered for investigation by the Emzinoni SAPS. On the day of the incident, after committing the murders, Nkabinde fled from Bethal to Ermelo, where he later handed himself over to the police. The Emzinoni SAPS was subsequently notified of his surrender. The court further learned that Nkabinde acted with intent and showed no remorse for his actions. Before imposing the sentence, the presiding judge considered the seriousness of the offences and the devastating impact they had on the families involved and society at large. The court also took into account the ongoing challenge of gender-based violence and femicide in the country, which has been declared a national crisis by President Mr Matamela Ramaphosa.
The sentences imposed were as follows: The court ordered that the sentences on counts 2, 3, 4, and 5 run concurrently. In terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000), the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the sentence and commended the National Prosecuting Authority for ensuring that the diligent work and dedication of the police were not in vain, and that justice was served.
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