The Gauteng Local Division of the High Court of South Africa, Johannesburg, has handed down a 25-year prison term to 29-year-old Ntsikelelo Saki for the calculated murder of Mbali Hlongwane, a student at Ekurhuleni West College Campus.
The tragic incident revolves around a series of escalating conflicts between Saki and Hlongwane, both students at Katlehong’s Ekurhuleni West College campus.
According to Phindi Mjonondwane, the NPA Regional Spokesperson for Gauteng Local Division, the catalyst for the fatal confrontation was a video capturing Saki urinating at a local tavern, later disseminated via WhatsApp. Mjonondwane said “Feeling deeply humiliated, Saki confronted Hlongwane, accusing her of sharing the video,”
“A heated argument spiraled into a physical altercation, exposing the underlying tension between the two students,”as stated by Mjonondwane.
However, this initial dispute was not their sole point of contention. Prior reports reveal that Saki and Hlongwane had previously clashed over academic matters, specifically the prerequisites for an upcoming exam.
Mjonondwane emphasizes, “These sustained conflicts painted a portrait of escalating hostility, culminating tragically in premeditated murder.”
Saki reportedly arrived at the campus wearing a jacket despite the sweltering heat. Holding a knife, he chillingly informed a fellow student of his intent to confront and harm Hlongwane.
Fellow students cautioned Hlongwane about Saki’s intentions. Mjonondwane says “After a discussion with him, she turned to leave, and Saki stabbed her twice. When she faced him again, he struck her twice more in the chest”.
Saki fled to Cape Town, where he was arrested while working, his actions and identity broadcasted across the news.
The court’s decision to hand down a 25-year sentence reflects the severity of Saki’s deeds and the irreplaceable loss suffered by Hlongwane’s loved ones and the entire campus community.