The Durban High Court has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the murder of Wandile Aphiwe Ngcobo, who was brutally killed while she was at home studying for her Grade 11 exams.
Judge Garth Harrison sentenced Sifundo Bongani Bhengu, a neighbour, to 20 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and life imprisonment for the murder of Wandile.
Bongani Freedom Jali was also sentenced to life imprisonment for killing Wandile and 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Wandile was killed on May 28, 2024. She was home alone as her younger sister had gone to school and her father, Mondli Ngcobo, was at work. She chose to stay behind to study.
Bhengu and Jali entered her home and robbed her of her cellphone, taking a television and a Puma backpack.
During the trial, the court learned that the duo hatched a plan to go and steal from Wandile’s home because they wanted money to buy drugs.
A television set was sold in the Durban CBD to a foreign national as the duo claimed that he would pay more money.
