MBOMBELA- A 15 years’ direct sentence was handed to Given Smiso Nkosi (38) by the Nelspruit Regional Court for the attempted murder of street vendor, Emelinah Mdlovu.
This if following an attack that occurred on January 24 this year in White River, where Mdlovu was selling vetkoeks at her stall. Nkosi was unknown to the victim at the time.
Evidence presented by the state established that Mdlovu noticed Nkosi engaged in an argument with another man. The altercation escalated into a physical fight and moved closer to where she was frying vetkoek in a large pot of hot cooking oil.
In a statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Concerned for their safety and her own, Mdlovu instructed the men to stop fighting and move away, warning them that the oil could cause serious injuries.
“Nkosi then directed his aggression towards her. Fearing for her safety, Mdlovu fled from her vending station. Nkosi grabbed the pot containing the hot oil, chased after her, and, upon catching up with her, poured the hot oil over her body. The attack left Mdlovu with severe burn injuries,” reads the statement.
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An eyewitness travelling in a vehicle observed Nkosi pursuing Mdlovu and pouring the hot oil over her. The witness immediately intervened and called for assistance. Police responded swiftly and arrested Nkosi shortly thereafter. Mdlovu was transported to hospital by ambulance for urgent medical treatment.
The NPA opposed Nkosi’s release on bail, resulting in him remaining in custody until the conclusion of the case. During the trial, Nkosi pleaded not guilty to the charge. However, State Prosecutor Simon Mamabolo presented compelling evidence from both the victim and the eyewitness, supported by medical evidence confirming the seriousness of Mdlovu’s injuries.
The court subsequently found Nkosi guilty of attempted murder. In aggravation of sentence, the State argued that Nkosi posed a danger to society and emphasised that the offence was committed in broad daylight.
The prosecution further highlighted that Mdlovu was an innocent bystander who was simply conducting her daily business to earn a livelihood and support her household when she became the victim of the accused’s violent actions.
The court sentenced Nkosi to 15 years’ direct imprisonment and further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
