The Eastern Cape Division of the High Court has sentenced Litha Zanozuko Nkalambela, 44, to 22 years of direct imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Nthabiseng Nkalambela, 38.
The killing occurred on 27 August 2020 at the couple’s home on Cathcart Street in Maletswai. The court heard that Nkalambela violently assaulted his wife with a tonfa, inflicting severe head injuries. Medical evidence showed the victim died a slow and painful death approximately six hours after the assault.
Nkalambela was arrested on the same day. Following his arrest, he made several court appearances before the matter was transferred to the Regional Court, where he appeared no fewer than five times as the case progressed.
His initial bail application was successfully opposed, but he was later granted bail based on new facts. He was found guilty on 5 December 2025 and remained in custody until his sentencing on 25 March 2026.
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