A heated domestic argument ended in death and a life sentence for Lindokuhle Peggy Shongwe, 26, who was convicted of murdering her husband, Comefriday Silindile Mkhonza, 30, in Badplaas, Mpumalanga.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentence imposed by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Mbombela, describing it as an important measure of accountability in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

The murder occurred on 21 June 2025 during an argument at Mkhonza’s residence.

According to the NPA’s statement on Wednesday, Shongwe stabbed her husband three times in the upper body.

In the aftermath of the stabbing, Mkhonza’s nephew, who had overheard the argument, received a call from Shongwe using his uncle’s cellphone. She allegedly told him that Mkhonza had stabbed himself.

But when the nephew returned home, he found his uncle lying in a pool of blood, although he was still responsive.

Mkhonza was rushed to a local clinic, where he was certified dead.
Shongwe fled the scene and was subsequently arrested.

Medical evidence contradicts accused’s version

During the trial, Shongwe pleaded not guilty, maintaining that she did not know how her husband sustained the fatal injuries. She claimed the two had struggled over a knife.

However, State Advocate Senzo Zindela presented medical evidence that contradicted her account.

The doctor who examined Mkhonza’s body testified that the depth of the stab wounds indicated they could not have been self-inflicted. The court accepted the State’s evidence and rejected Shongwe’s version of events
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During sentencing proceedings, Zindela argued that Shongwe had shown no remorse and emphasised the seriousness of the crime, particularly the three stab wounds inflicted on Mkhonza.

The State also presented a victim impact statement compiled by Mkhonza’s mother, with assistance from court preparation officer Nomfundo Mokoena.

The statement detailed the emotional, psychological and financial toll the murder had taken on the family, highlighting the lasting consequences of the loss.

Court rejects grounds for a lesser sentence

The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify departing from the prescribed minimum sentence and sentenced Shongwe to life imprisonment for murder.

She was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, while her application for leave to appeal was dismissed.

The NPA welcomed the outcome, saying the sentence reflected accountability for the unlawful taking of a life within an intimate relationship.