The Mtubatuba Regional Court sentenced 46-year-old Musawenkosi Lucky Menyuka to 18 years’ imprisonment on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, for murder.
Menyuka was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend, 25-year-old Thembelihle Nxumalo, on 17 February 2020. Nxumalo was reported missing that day. Her body was found later in the Oweni area with multiple stab wounds.
Menyuka, a local pastor, was the last person seen with Nxumalo and was initially arrested. The case was not enrolled, and he was released.
In 2025, the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit took over the case and rearrested Menyuka in June. He was later released on R10,000 bail.
On 1 December 2025, Menyuka absconded during a court recess. A warrant was issued for his arrest. Investigators rearrested him on 12 January 2026.
The court imposed an 18-year direct prison sentence and declared Menyuka unfit to possess a firearm.