Jealousy-fuelled killing ends in lengthy prison term
A 44-year-old man from Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape has been locked away for two decades after the Mthatha High Court found him guilty of gunning down a neighbour he suspected of having an affair with his wife. Bonginkosi Nomatiyela Chayi, a resident of Mncwasa A/A, received the sentence on Thursday, 26 March 2026, bringing to a close a case that began with a fatal shooting in August 2024.
The court heard that on 25 August 2024, at approximately 14:30, Chayi confronted and fatally shot a 55-year-old man, accusing the victim of being romantically involved with his spouse. When a bystander attempted to step in and defuse the situation, Chayi turned the weapon on him as well, striking the man in a finger on his right hand. The accused then fled the scene.
Law enforcement officers tracked Chayi down through an intelligence-led operation and apprehended him on 6 November 2024 at around 16:50. At the time of his arrest, he was found to be carrying an unlicensed firearm, adding further charges to an already serious case.
Court denies bail, delivers sweeping sentence
Chayi made his first appearance before the Mqanduli Magistrate's Court on 7 November 2024, where his application for bail was refused. The matter was subsequently escalated to the Mthatha High Court for trial.
The presiding judge imposed the following sentences: 20 years' imprisonment for premeditated murder, eight years for attempted murder, eight years for unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm, and three years for unlawful possession of ammunition. The court ordered that the sentences for attempted murder, firearm possession, and ammunition possession would run concurrently with the murder conviction, meaning Chayi will serve an effective 20 years behind bars. He was additionally declared unfit to possess a firearm.
"The members' commitment in professionally handling the case until its finality, with all the required evidence brought before the court of law, resulted in a favourable verdict."
OR Tambo District Commissioner Major General Norman Modishana praised the investigating team for their dedication and thoroughness in building a watertight case against the accused. The senior officer commended the officers involved for ensuring that justice was served for the victim and his family.
The incidents for which Chayi was convicted took place during August and November 2024. His arrest and subsequent prosecution underscore the determination of law enforcement in the Eastern Cape to hold perpetrators of violent crime accountable, particularly in cases involving the use of illegal weapons.
Gender-based violence and illegal firearm possession remain pressing challenges across South Africa, and cases like this from the Eastern Cape highlight the deadly consequences when personal disputes escalate unchecked. The successful intelligence-led arrest and prosecution may offer some reassurance to rural communities that law enforcement can deliver accountability, even in remote areas. However, sustained efforts to curb unlicensed weapons and address underlying social tensions will be critical to preventing similar tragedies in future.
