The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, sitting in Burgersdorp, has handed down life imprisonment sentences to Noxolo Nokuzola Nxilolo, 50, and Mzamo Ciko, 42, for the premeditated murder of Sindezama January Nxilolo, a 65-year-old traffic officer and moneylender. The court found that on July 3, 2017, in Eureka, Burgersdorp, within the Joe Gqabi Magisterial District, Nxilolo and Ciko conspired with two hired assassins from the Western Cape to murder the deceased, who was Nxilolo’s husband at the time.
Their motive was financial gain, as Nxilolo would lose certain benefits in the event of a divorce. The accused couple’s relationship began in 1999, and they married in 2002, but Nxilolo’s affair with Ciko, which started during her fertility treatments, led to the plot. The court heard that Nxilolo and Ciko planned and executed the murder, with Ciko sourcing firearms and transporting the hired killers to the deceased’s residence. One of the killers, Lungile Ntungwana, later turned state witness and was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment. Nxilolo and Ciko were found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, with the court imposing life imprisonment for murder and an additional five years for conspiracy.
They were also declared unfit to possess firearms. The court noted that Nxilolo showed no remorse and continued to deny involvement despite overwhelming evidence. The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentence, stating it demonstrates the justice system’s commitment to holding accountable those who plan and carry out violent crimes for personal gain.
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