The Mthatha High Court sentenced 44-year-old Bonginkosi Nomatiyela Chayi to 20 years’ imprisonment on Thursday, 26 March 2026, for premeditated murder. Chayi was additionally sentenced to eight years for attempted murder, eight years for unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm, and three years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
The offences were committed in August and November 2024.
On 25 August 2024 at approximately 14:30, Chayi fatally shot a 55-year-old man, accusing him of having an intimate relationship with his wife. A witness who attempted to intervene was shot in the right hand finger. Chayi fled the scene after the shooting.
Police arrested Chayi on 6 November 2024 at about 16:50 following an intelligence-driven operation. He was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm at the time of his arrest.
