EASTERN CAPE - AXE-MURDERER GET 6 LIFE SENTENCES FOR GRUESOME KILLINGS OF MOTHER AND HER YOUNG CHILDREN

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga has welcomed a hefty sentence delivered upon the accused Nowa Makula (32) in the Elliotdale Regional Court on Monday 17 May 2021 in Elliotdale.

Nowa Makula was slapped with effective six (6) life sentences by the Magistrate yesterday after he pleaded guilty to all six counts of murder on the 25 March 2021. The accused’s sentence is a sequel to serious and gruesome incidents of murder which were reported at Sidabekweni Village after the accused Makula murdered Nokuthula Mhlanti (42) and six children with an axe. He then attempted to escape the country as he was arrested in less than 24 hours, miles away from the crime scene at Ginsberg Township, in King Williams Town in a place where his brother lived.

After the process of investigation which included verification of his citizenship, Nowa eventually admitted to murdering his six victims among whom was a six months old child. The court heard that he was upset and as such decided to kill the mother and children because the mother had cheated on him.

On that sad and traumatizing morning, the detectives witnessed horrific scene of human bodies strewn all over the Shack in which the six occupied as their home. Every document which included Identity documents, Cellphones and other valuables were cut into pieces presumably by the Axe wielding, bitter and jealous Nowa Makula.

Delivering the sentence in Elliotdale Regional Court, the Magistrate did not mince words as he described the tragic killings and destruction of innocent souls as amounted to a “Massacre”.  He said, South Africa is a constitutional country that governs by the Rule of Law. For that reason, nobody has a right to deny others their right to life. The Magistrate further contended that the killings were unnecessary and were motivated by selfishness as the accused did not demonstrate any remorse but attempted to escape. The murders will have long term impact and effects on both the affected families and the society at large. He stressed that the courts of law have a responsibility to act in defence and protection of the vulnerable people.

Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga welcomed the sentence and further applauded the SAPS teams which were involved in the investigations. “I am standing here a proud leader of these teams and I must also appreciate the role of the National Prosecuting Authority in ensuring that the work of our detectives prevails in court. I also cannot overemphasize the support of our communities. We are grateful as the police family.” said General Ntshinga.

The accused, Nowa Makula is to spend his whole life in prison to serve his sentence.

SAPS