The Durban High Court has handed down life sentences to two men responsible for the brutal murder of 17-year-old Wandile Aphiwe Ngcobo, who was killed in her home in uMlazi while preparing for her Grade 11 exams.
Judge Garth Harrison sentenced 39-year-old neighbour Sifundo Bongani Bhengu to life imprisonment for murder and an additional 20 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances. His co-accused, Bongani Freedom Jali, received a life sentence for murder and 15 years for robbery.
The tragic incident took place on May 28, 2024. Wandile was home alone that morning. Her younger sister had already left for school, and her father, Mondli Ngcobo, was at work. Wandile had chosen to remain behind to study. It was during this time that Bhengu and Jali broke into the house intending to rob the family. They stole a cellphone, a television set, and a Puma backpack.
What unfolded was far more sinister than just a robbery. Despite knowing that Wandile was inside, the men proceeded with their plan. The court heard that they had conspired to break into the house to steal valuables and sell them for drug money. The television set was later sold in Durban’s central business district to a foreign national, who the accused claimed would pay more.
Wandile’s body was later discovered gagged and bound with pantyhose. According to Judge Harrison, the pantyhose was used to silence her screams during the attack. The court found that the two men had no regard for her life, and throughout the trial, neither displayed any genuine remorse.
During sentencing, Judge Harrison noted that both men blamed each other for Wandile’s murder. He said the minimum sentences for such crimes were justified, and there were no compelling reasons to deviate from them. Addressing Jali specifically, the judge dismissed his claims that he was being persecuted due to community outrage on social media. “You are not a victim,” the judge said. “You are a perpetrator.”
Jali had also alleged a conspiracy between the investigating officer and a State witness, Nkululeko ‘Sticks’ Mbatha, claiming they worked together to implicate him. However, the court found that Jali’s defense was fabricated and unconvincing. The judge further emphasized that Jali’s admission of being under the influence of drugs was not mitigating, but rather made his actions even more serious.
Bhengu attempted to portray himself as remorseful, even stating that he understood the pain the family felt because he had a daughter of his own. He also tried to present himself as a whistleblower under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows witnesses to testify against co-accused in exchange for possible immunity. The court rejected this request.
Judge Harrison read a victim impact statement from Wandile’s father, Mondli, and offered words of encouragement, urging him to live for Wandile’s younger sister. He also called on community members in court to support each other and protect children, stressing that unity is crucial to preventing such tragedies in the future.