Mtubatuba traditional healer sentenced to 15 years for murder
Traditional healer faces justice
Image: File
The Mtubatuba Regional Court has sentenced traditional healer Khulekani Mandla Ngubane (48) to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of 29-year-old Thandazani Babo Mngomezulu, whom he assaulted and left fatally injured after accusing him of sexually assaulting his wife.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the sentence, which was handed down under Section 51(2), where the prescribed minimum is 15 years for murder. “Ngubane was sentenced accordingly, and he has been declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said NPA regional spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.
According to evidence before the court, the crime took place in December 2024 in the Qakwini area. Ngubane confronted Mngomezulu after his wife alleged that the deceased had sexually assaulted her at a local shop. He then drove to Mngomezulu’s home, forced him into his vehicle, and took him to his own property.
There, Ngubane tied Mngomezulu’s hands and feet, suspended him upside down from a tree, and beat him repeatedly with a sjambok on his head and body. When the victim stopped moving, Ngubane untied him, causing him to fall to the ground. Although his family urged him to take Mngomezulu to hospital, the victim died five weeks later from his injuries.
Prosecutor Sphelele Precious Mdluli led the testimony of Mngomezulu’s sister, who told the court she had witnessed the assault while he was hanging from the tree. To strengthen the case, the state also presented a Victim Impact Statement compiled by a family member and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Sthembile Cebekhulu.
The statement highlighted the broader consequences of the killing: “Mngomezulu’s death impacted the community at large. He stated that he still has nightmares of the images of Mngomezulu’s body following the assault. He further stated that Mngomezulu was a good and responsible father, and his children have been deprived of the opportunity to be raised by him,” Ramkisson-Kara explained.
Welcoming the outcome, the NPA said it viewed the sentence as an important step in securing justice for the victim and his family. “The NPA remains resolute in our pursuit of justice for the victims of crime and their families,” said Ramkisson-Kara.