The Breyten High Court today sentenced Africa Thembinkosi Shongwe (57) to four life terms for murder. Acting Provincial SAPS Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi welcomed the sentence.
On 25 February 2023, neighbours in Phola Park alerted police after noticing a resident’s unusual absence. Upon arrival, police found a house locked from inside with closed windows, visible flies, blood stains, and part of a child’s body.
Inside, they discovered four bodies with head injuries, likely from a sharp object. The deceased were an adult woman and her three minor children: twin boys and a girl.
Police investigation led to the arrest of Shongwe, a citizen of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the biological father of one child. He was charged with four counts of murder and contravening the Immigration Act for lacking valid documentation.
Shongwe pleaded guilty to all charges on 19 January 2026. Sentencing followed today.
The court imposed life imprisonment for each murder count. Shongwe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.