The court looked at the manner in which Madiba was killed, her age, trauma and what her family was going through when passing the sentence.
Madiba’s body was discovered buried in a shallow grave at Mkhwanazi’s home in Soweto in December 2015.
She had gone missing following a sleepover at her friend Tshidi Mkhwanazi’s home in Phiri in August 2013. Tshidi is the niece of Madiba’s killer.
Mkhwanazi, 38, was also found guilty of theft, defeating the administration of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
In sentencing Mkhwanazi, acting judge Prince Manyathi said nobody could argue this case was not serious.
“The young beautiful lady of 20 was killed by you. She regarded you as an uncle and expected you to protect her,” Manyathi said.
Manyathi said Mkhwanazi used violence to take her life. He said in the course of murdering her and giving an impression she left to attend classes, Mkhwanazi fought for his freedom by not telling the truth.
“The young beautiful lady of 20 was killed by you. She regarded you as an uncle and expected you to protect her, “Manyathi said.
Manyathi said Mkhwanazi’s failure to explain reasons for his conduct and failure to explain her whereabouts was selfish.
“You thought your secret was safe … you would take it to your grave.”
Manyathi said Mkhwanazi’s family would have a chance to visit him in prison while Madiba’s family is left only with her pictures.
Mkhwanazi was sentenced to 20 years for murder, three years for the theft of Madiba’a cellphone, eight years for defeating the ends of justice, 10 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm and two years for possession of ammunition.
The court ordered the sentence for the unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition run concurrently with that for the murder.
