Step-mother and lover sentenced for killing step-son

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A 52 years old woman is set to serve a life term in prison for the alleged murder of a 24 years man, Mzomuhle Zondi who was a traditional leader at the time of his killing.

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that the 52 years old Lizzy Khethiwe Zondi was married to the then Chief of the tribe, the Zondi tribe in Mpotholo area. Unfortunately the Chief died and she was appointed as the regent.

However, she was later demoted following a complaint and application that was made with consultation with Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GOGTA) because of her behaviour.

It was discovered that she had been involved in a romantic relationship with a 62 years old Celimpilo Shabangu whom she had appointed as an Induna to serve under her leadership.

Following the demotion, the pair Khethiwe and Shabangu, were angered and they conspired to kill Zondi, the regent.

They enlisted the assistance of a hitman known as “Mkhize” for the killing.

On the evening of 10 November 2021, they went to one of the buildings in the royal house where they shot and killed Zondi. Thereafter they went into hiding, and while Khethiwe and Shabangu were arrested a month later in the Msinga area, Mkhize remains at large.

Upon her arrest, Khethiwe had made a confession which she later retracted. Following a trial within a trial (on this issue), the confession was admitted in court as evidence.