The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, sitting in Breyten, has sentenced 30-year-old Siphamandla Kagiso Makoko to 20 years’ imprisonment for the murder of his female friend, Thembelihle Nkosi. The ruling was delivered yesterday, Tuesday, 03 June 2025, marking the conclusion of a two-year legal process.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 02 June 2023 in Breyten, where Makoko, also known by his nickname “Bhamama,” was at a local tavern with Nkosi. According to court proceedings, an altercation erupted after Nkosi engaged in a private conversation with another man. Enraged, Makoko forcibly dragged her out of the establishment and assaulted her.
He then took her to his residence in Kwa-Zanele township, near Breyten, where the assault continued. Nkosi sustained severe injuries and was transported to Ermelo Provincial Hospital the following day with the assistance of Makoko’s mother, who alerted Emergency Medical Services.
Although Nkosi was initially discharged, her condition deteriorated, and she was later privately taken back to the hospital by the accused. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries on 05 June 2023.
Following her death, a murder case was registered at Breyten SAPS and assigned to the Detective Services unit, whose thorough investigation led to Makoko’s arrest on 23 June 2023. He remained in custody throughout the trial, culminating in his conviction and subsequent sentencing.
In addition to his prison term, the court declared Makoko unfit to possess a firearm. The ruling serves as a stern reminder of the judiciary’s commitment to holding perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable.
