A 26-year-old man who handed himself over to the police for killing his girlfriend, has been sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment. At the time of the murder, he was released on bail for a prior rape charge laid against him.
The murder happened on 26 October 2022. The Thabong police were contacted by the police in Orkney, North West, when Vuyo Moses Sonkwala handed himself over to officials, saying that he murdered his girlfriend in Thabong.
Thabong police members rushed to the address he shared with them, where they discovered the body of a woman, hidden under the bed.
The victim was identified as Ntombizodwa Mirriam Gonyonyo (28).
She was naked and covered with a comforter. Her left eye was swollen, her breast covered with a bandana scarf, and she had black marks on her neck. She was certified dead by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.
Gonyonyo was raped by Sonkwala in 2022, and proceeded to lay a charge of rape against him.
He was arrested and later granted bail. Upon his release he then murdered his girlfriend.
Sonkwala was found guilty on 24 August he was sentenced to 22 years’ direct imprisonment.
“I am applauding the investigating officer, WO Gerrie Nel, for his dedication and hard work to ensure that justice is served for vulnerable women who are abused and murdered by their partners, especially now that it is Women’s Month,” says Brig. Mzondi Mojafi, acting district commissioner of Lejweleputswa.
