The High Court of Eswatini has sentenced Vusi Charles Mncina, a former deputy sheriff, to an effective 124 years in prison for committing heinous crimes. On October 28, 2026, High Court Judge Mlangeni delivered the judgment, imposing separate prison terms for four murders and one attempted murder, with all sentences to run consecutively. Mncina was found guilty of murdering four women and attempting to murder another in a single incident.
According to the court's findings, Mncina murdered Nonhlanhla Thwala, Lungile Shongwe, Fikile Shongwe, and Cynthia Khulile Shongwe, and attempted to murder Thuli Mkhwanazi. He received 29 years imprisonment for each of the first three murders, 29 years for the fourth murder, and 14 years for the attempted murder. The court considered the seriousness of the offences, the use of a firearm against vulnerable women, and the need to deter violent crime.
The judge noted that the case was exceptional due to the number of lives lost, including three members of the same family, and the brutal nature of the crimes. Mncina's actions were described as being driven by anger towards two men at a party, but he chose to use a firearm against the women instead. The court also considered Mncina's personal circumstances, including his age, marital status, and minor children.
Despite Mncina being a first offender, the judge ruled that this circumstance could hardly count in his favour given the severity of the crimes. The court exercised its discretion under Section 300 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1938 to order consecutive sentences. The judgment concluded that the punishment had to reflect the gravity of the offences and the need to protect society.
In determining the appropriate punishment, the court considered previous murder sentences, including cases with prison terms of 40 and 50 years. However, the judge said a mathematical calculation based on those sentences would produce an excessive cumulative term. The court ultimately decided on consecutive sentences to ensure that justice was served.
Mncina was represented by Xolani Mthethwa, while the Crown was represented by Sandile Mdluli, assisted by Chris Sibandze. The case drew attention to the issue of violent crime in Eswatini and the need for effective deterrents. The sentencing of Mncina is seen as a significant step towards addressing the concerns of the public and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face the consequences of their actions.
The case has sparked a renewed call for partnerships between national and local authorities to fund urban infrastructure and address social issues that contribute to violent crime. The incident also highlights the need for continued efforts to strengthen the police service and its response to emerging challenges. The community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that such heinous crimes will be deterred in the future.
Key points
- The High Court of Eswatini sentenced Vusi Mncina to 124 years in prison for murdering four women and attempting to murder another.
- The court considered the seriousness of the offences, the use of a firearm against vulnerable women, and the need to deter violent crime.
- Mncina's actions were driven by anger towards two men at a party, but he chose to use a firearm against the women instead.
