Life imprisonment for EC man who beheaded girlfriend

Life imprisonment for EC man who beheaded girlfriend Siya Tsewu Fri, 10/30/2026 - 14:37

JOHANNESBURG - Sandiso Matyida murdered his girlfriend, Sinazo Khanzi, and her body was found beheaded on 27 January 2023.

The Eastern Cape High Court sitting in Cacadu heard that the couple lived together at Beseti Farm in the Gwatyu area near Cofimvaba.

In a statement, National Prosecuting Authority's regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said on the night of the murder, Matyida approached his cousin and asked to sleep at his home.

"When the cousin enquired about Khanzi's whereabouts, Matyida made a gesture indicating that her throat had been cut. When asked whether he meant that he had killed her, Matyida confirmed that he had.

"The cousin proceeded to Matyida's home on the same farm, where he discovered Khanzi's body covered with a blanket and her head severed. He alerted Matyida's father and subsequently contacted the police.

"Matyida was arrested later that evening while sleeping in the same house. He also pointed out to the police the bloodied axe used to commit the murder."

In court, Matyida pleaded guilty. In his plea explanation, he admitted to killing Khanzi after going through her cellphone and discovering that she had been communicating with another man. He claimed that he acted in a fit of rage following a confrontation that developed into an argument.

The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances warranting a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence and imposed life imprisonment.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, welcomed the sentence.

“This sentence sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence against women will be held fully accountable for their actions. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and femicide, while supporting all efforts aimed at eradicating these crimes from our communities.”