A 44-year-old man from Mncwasa A/A in Mqanduli has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a premeditated murder that shocked the community.
Bonginkosi Nomatiyela Chayi was convicted by the Mthatha High Court on 26 March 2026 for fatally shooting a 55-year-old man in August 2024, accusing him of having an affair with his wife. During the incident, a bystander who tried to intervene was shot and injured in the hand.
Chayi was later arrested on 6 November 2024 during an intelligence-driven police operation, where he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He was denied bail at his first court appearance in the Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court.
In addition to the 20-year sentence for murder, he received:
8 years for attempted murder
8 years for unlawful possession of a firearm
3 years for unlawful possession of ammunition
The court ordered that the additional sentences run concurrently with the murder sentence. Chayi was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana, praised investigators for their professionalism, saying their work ensured justice was served.
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