Abused teenager jailed for hiring a hitman to kill his stepfather for R20,000! A 19-year-old Sinawo Mginywa has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after hiring a hitman to kill his abusive stepfather. The court heard harrowing accounts of years of domestic violence that led the teenager to commit the crime.
Abuse That Sparked a Drastic Decision
The case stems from the murder of 69-year-old Qondile Mnguni, who was killed at the family home in Motherwell, Gqeberha, on December 8, 2023.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that Mginywa had endured years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his stepfather. This abuse extended to his mother, 45-year-old Nomalungisa Precious Mnguni, who had been subjected to violent assaults, including being beaten with a sjambok and struck with a hammer.
Luxolo Tyali, an NPA spokesperson, explained that the continuous violence created a sense of powerlessness for the young man. “Sinawo explained that the history of abuse within the family significantly contributed to his decision to take such drastic action,” Tyali said.
The Premeditated Plan
Feeling trapped, Mginywa turned to Sangezo Aphiwe, also known as “Lowkey,” whom he had met online. Mginywa conspired with Aphiwe to murder his stepfather in exchange for R20,000, promising to pay in monthly installments of R350.
In preparation, Mginywa left a window open at the family home to allow the hitman access. On the night of the murder, Aphiwe entered through the open window and shot Mnguni twice in the head.
The murder was reportedly prompted by a particularly violent incident in which Mnguni had brutally assaulted Nomalungisa. Following this, Mginywa paid Aphiwe an upfront sum of R3,500 to carry out the killing.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Mginywa was arrested in July 2024, months after the murder. On November 18, 2024, he pleaded guilty in the Eastern Cape High Court to charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
During sentencing, the court acknowledged the history of abuse but emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime. Mginywa was sentenced to:
- 18 years for murder
- 8 years for conspiracy to commit murder, to run concurrently with the murder sentence.
This means Mginywa will serve an effective 18 years behind bars.
Acknowledging Guilt and Seeking Rehabilitation
In court, Mginywa admitted that his actions were unjustifiable. He expressed remorse and outlined his hopes for the future, including pursuing an education and taking care of his mother upon release.
“I take full responsibility for my actions, but I hope to rehabilitate and create a better life for myself and my mother,” Mginywa told the court.
The Role of Domestic Violence in the Case
This tragic case highlights the devastating effects of prolonged domestic violence. While the court acknowledged the abuse Mginywa and his mother endured, it ultimately ruled that premeditated murder could not be excused.
The NPA’s Tyali stressed the importance of addressing domestic violence through legal channels rather than resorting to violence. “The circumstances leading to this crime underscore the need for better support systems for victims of abuse, particularly young people who feel powerless,” he said.
A Stark Reminder
The case serves as a stark reminder of the impact of domestic abuse and the importance of seeking help through lawful means. It also emphasizes the need for community and government support to provide safe spaces for victims of abuse and prevent tragedies like this in the future.
As Mginywa begins his sentence, his story will undoubtedly spark deeper conversations about domestic violence, its effects on mental health, and the consequences of taking justice into one’s own hands.
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