South African Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Brutal Murder of Girlfriend and Her Daughte

The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in South Africa has sentenced 40-year-old Thulani Foshini Sikhundla to two life terms plus five years in prison for the brutal murders of his girlfriend, Dorris Alina Sibiya, and her daughter, Noxolo Simile Khoza. The sentencing was announced by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on December 8, 2024.

The tragic incident occurred on April 2, 2024, when Sikhundla visited Sibiya's home in Matsulu B. What began as a domestic argument over allegations of infidelity escalated into a violent confrontation. Sikhundla first attacked 10-year-old Noxolo in her bedroom before stabbing Sibiya multiple times.

Sibiya's teenage son, who heard the commotion, attempted to intervene but escaped unharmed despite being attacked by Sikhundla. The accused fled the scene into the nearby mountains, while both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

During the trial, Sikhundla maintained his innocence and showed little emotion or remorse for his actions. Senior State Advocate Ashwin Poodhun presented compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimonies and distressing photographs from the crime scene, alongside postmortem reports that confirmed the victims died from multiple stab wounds. The court's decision reflects the serious nature of the crimes and the tragic impact on the victims' family.