‘Brutal Axe Attack’: Eastern Cape Man Gets Life for Murder, 45 Years for Attempted Murder

A 40-year-old man who brutally attacked his girlfriend and her family with an axe, resulting in one death and multiple critical injuries, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder.

Mboneleleli Ntantiso appeared in the Maloti Regional Court this week, where the sentence was handed down.

The Sentence

• Murder: Life imprisonment

• Attempted murder (three counts): Effective 45 years

• Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: 10 years

The Crime

On 19 May 2025 , Ntantiso fatally attacked his girlfriend with an axe at her residence in the Eastern Cape.

“Ntantiso then proceeded to attack five other family members, including her siblings, with the same weapon, inflicting life-threatening injuries. Following the attack, Ntantiso fled the scene, leaving the victim’s lifeless body behind,” said Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana.

The Manhunt

A multidisciplinary manhunt was immediately launched under the direction of the District Commissioner of Alfred Nzo, Major General Nompumelelo Majikijela.

The operation brought together members from Crime Intelligence, Matatiele and Maloti Visible Policing Detectives, and the Maloti K9 unit. The suspect was arrested in under a week.

The Trial

The case was initially enrolled at the Matatiele Magistrate’s Court before being transferred to the Maloti Regional Court, where Ntantiso was found guilty on all charges on 20 March 2026.

The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Mazibuko , was commended for his meticulous work in securing a conviction.

The Police Statement

The Eastern Cape SAPS reiterated its commitment to removing violent criminals from communities and ensuring that “perpetrators of gender-based violence face the full might of the law.”

The Bottom Line

A girlfriend dead. Five family members attacked. An axe as the weapon. A life sentence as the judgment.

The court has spoken. The police are satisfied. And a violent criminal is behind bars.

{Source: IOL}

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