Couple Sentenced to Life for Conspiracy in Husband's Murder

In a recent ruling by the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, situated in Burgersdorp, Noxolo Nokuzola Nxilolo, aged 50, and her former partner, Mzamo Ciko, aged 42, were condemned to life imprisonment for the premeditated murder of Noxolo's husband, Sindezama January Nxilolo, a 65-year- old traffic officer and moneylender.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) released a statement on Thursday, March 12, 2026, confirming the sentencing.

The case dated back to July 3, 2017, in Eureka, Burgersdorp, within the Joe Gqabi Magisterial District. The prosecution revealed that the accused conspired with two hired gunmen from the Western Cape to execute the murder of the deceased, previously 50 years old at the time of his passing.

At the time of the offense, Noxolo was 43 years old and still married to the deceased. The couple's relationship commenced in 1999, and they formalized their marriage in 2002, remaining childless throughout their union.

Noxolo had frequently traveled to the Western Cape for fertility treatments, during which she met Ciko, who was then 35. Their affair blossomed despite Ciko also being married at the time; his spouse ended their marriage upon discovering the relationship.

It was revealed in court that the husband eventually found out about his wife's infidelity. Together, Noxolo and Ciko conspired to murder Sindezama, believing that her financial advantage would be better served through his untimely death, fearing the loss of benefits if a divorce occurred.

To bring their intentions to fruition, they employed two hired killers from the Western Cape and arranged compensations for the act.

One of the hired killers, Lungile Ntungwana, aged 44, later informed law enforcement about the plan. He pled guilty to his role in the murder and received a 25-year prison sentence on September 1, 2021, while the second assailant remains untraced.

During the execution phase, Ciko procured firearms and provided them to the hired killers. He transported them from the Western Cape to Burgersdorp, wherein he also indicated the victim's residence.

Noxolo's function included notifying Ciko and the hired assassins when Sindezama was at home. Upon her confirmation, Ciko drove the assassins to the location after dark and discreetly dropped them off nearby.

The attackers contacted Sindezama under the guise of requesting a cash loan. When he stepped outside, one of the assailants shot him fatally.

After the attack, the perpetrators fled and separated; one returned with Ciko to the Western Cape, while the other remained behind. The next day, the remaining assassin visited Noxolo's residence to acquire money for his return, which she willingly provided. Upon his arrival back, Ciko compensated him according to their agreement. Their romantic involvement concluded in 2021.

Following the murder and a whistleblower's report, both conspirators were apprehended and subsequently released on bail before trial.

During sentencing considerations, Senior State Advocate Sibusiso Mgenge portrayed the execution of the murder as premeditated and entirely motivated by financial gain, urging for a severe punishment.

The court learned that following Sindezama's death, Noxolo received over R920,000 from his pension and R320,000 from their house sale.

Advocate Mgenge further claimed that Noxolo displayed no remorse, insisting on her innocence despite the charges against her.

During the mitigation phase, Noxolo claimed health issues, citing spinal complications, depression since 2018, and hypertension.

Despite substantial evidence, including testimony from the informer Ntungwana, Noxolo steadfastly denied any role in the murder.

The State successfully demonstrated that both accused engaged in a common conspiracy to murder the victim.

Although Burgersdorp lacks a permanent High Court, the case was finalized and adjudicated in the town, allowing local residents to witness the delivery of justice in close proximity to where the crime transpired.

Both Noxolo and Ciko received life sentences for murder, along with an additional five years for conspiracy to commit murder, and were ruled unfit to possess firearms.

Welcoming the judicial outcome, Barry Madolo, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, remarked that this instance emphasizes the justice system's unwavering resolve against premeditated and contract killings.

Madolo stated, "This sentence sends a definitive message that individuals who plan and execute contract murders will encounter the full force of the law. Furthermore, holding court sessions within community vicinity fortifies public trust in the judicial system, allowing justice to not just be done but to be observed where the crime took place."

The National Prosecuting Authority expressed approval of the ruling, commending the judiciary for its decisive actions in confronting such severe crimes.

The NPA reiterated its commitment to holding those accountable for orchestrating violent crime for personal gain, advocating for victim's rights, and upholding the rule of law, thereby restoring faith in the justice system.