Rosemary Ndlovu and Nomsa Mudau convicted over failed murder plot

Sentence handed down after court return

The two women returned to court on Wednesday, where the sentence was handed down following their conviction for incitement to commit murder.

Alleged plot to kill for insurance payout

According to the state, Ndlovu and Mudau conspired to kill Nomsa’s ex-husband, Justice Mudau, in 2018 with the aim of securing insurance payouts. The women allegedly hired Jabulani Mtshali and offered R75 000 for the killing.

How the plot collapsed

Mtshali told the court in July 2024 that he was contacted by Lakhiwe Mkhize and taken to meet Nomsa, who explained problems with her husband and lack of money. He said Nomsa instructed him to shoot her then-husband at the gate of their home.

“Mme [Nomsa] Mudau told us she had a problem with her husband. She accused him of cheating on her. He goes to taverns and comes back in the morning. When she prepares food for him, he does not eat. She told us she did not have money,”

Mtshali told the court the group agreed on the plan but tried to find someone who could explain to the husband what was about to happen. The plot failed after Mtshali allegedly warned Justice Mudau about the matter. Both women had pleaded not guilty.

Rosemary Ndlovu’s previous convictions and sentences

Rosemary Ndlovu is already serving six life sentences for orchestrating the murders of her lover and several family members for life insurance payouts. In November 2021, she was found guilty of six counts of murder, four counts of fraud, defeating the ends of justice and attempted murder.

Her November 2021 sentences included:

• Six life terms 25 years for each of the six murders she was found guilty of
• Five years for defeating the ends of justice
• 10 years for each count of fraud
• 10 years for each of the seven counts of incitement to commit murder
• 10 years for attempting to murder her mother, Maria Mushwana

The National Prosecuting Authority said Ndlovu received more than R1.4 million in insurance payouts after the deaths of five relatives and her boyfriend between 2012 and 2018.

Investigation and court process

The case against Ndlovu and Mudau centres on the 2018 plot and the subsequent legal proceedings that led to their conviction for incitement. The state presented testimony that detailed steps allegedly taken to carry out the killing and how the attempt ultimately failed.