Mpumalanga Man Sentenced to Life for Murdering Mother, South Africans Debate Tragic Incident
- Thami Sydney Mnyandu, a 43-year-old Mpumalanga man, was sentenced for the murder of his mother
- Mnyandu was initially charged with assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm for the 2024 crime
- South Africans weighed in on the crime and the sentencing, debating what drove Mnyandu to do it
Source: UGC
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
South Africans have weighed in on the country's crime rate following the sentencing of a 43-year-old Mpumalanga man.
Thami Sydney Mnyandu was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 75-year-old mother, Ntobizodwa Masina.
The Amersfoort Regional Court handed down the sentence to Mnyandu following the brutal murder of his mother in July 2024.
Mnyandu admitted that he lost his temper
The 43-year-old was initially charged with assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm after police responded to a complaint that an elderly woman had been severely assaulted.
Police arrived at the residence in Sinqobile, near Daggakraal, on 25 July 2025, and found the elderly woman lying unconscious in the yard. She suffered serious facial injuries.
Police searched the house where they found Mnyandu. The 43-year-old reportedly told police that the victim was his mother, explaining that he lost his temper and assaulted her.
The 75-year-old woman was taken to the hospital, where it was found that she suffered additional injuries, including a wound under her left breast and a cut on her forehead. She died a few days after being discharged from the hospital.
Mnyandu charged with murder
As investigations into her death got underway, police discovered that Mnyandu violated a protection order as well. The protection order barred him from assaulting, threatening, or insulting his mother. The charge against him was then changed to murder.
Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the sentencing and commended the work done by the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Mahlaba, which led to the conviction. General Mkhwanazi also indicated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) had a no-nonsense policy when it came to gender-based violence.
“The SAPS reiterates its zero tolerance for gender-based violence and crimes against vulnerable members of society,” he said.
South Africans react to the tragic incident
Social media users weighed in on the crime, with many debating what led people to commit such crimes.
Pfari Netshikweta said:
“I still don't understand why there is no capital punishment in SA.”
May Maseko Aksak speculated:
“That kind of temper is stronger when money is involved. The mother probably refused to give him money, so he killed her for it. Money is the root of all evil. Lock him up and throw the key in the ocean.”
Cedric Maedimola added:
“Drugs and the stress of unemployment. This is why our country has turned into a slaughterhouse. No more law enforcement agencies. They are serving 2 masters: criminals and poor residents.”
Tumelo Mnisi stated:
“We all lose our temper, but you won't see us beating people up or killing them. Especially family.”
Odette Jasmin exclaimed:
“Evil.”
Almovivia Letzié said:
“Satan is really busy in this world. How can you kill your mother? A person who gave you life, who raised you.”
Mpumalanga man allegedly murdered his family
Briefly News reported that a 37-year-old Mpumalanga man is alleged to have murdered his 32-year-old wife and two children.
It is reported that the man set his family alight inside a vehicle at Zithabiseni Bridge near Boekenhouthoek in Kwaggafontein.
The 37-year-old then ingested poison, leading to his death, before police officers could arrest him.
Source: Briefly News
