Sandiso Faku
Source: Africa Publicity
A jealous South African man, Sandiso Faku, has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murdering his girlfriend, Ntombizodwa Mei, during a fight.
Aged 36-year-old, Faku was jailed by Judge Andre le Grange in the George Circuit High Court sitting in Knysna on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
He was charged with murder and defeating and obstructing the administration of justice.
The convict confessed to both crimes in terms of Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, Act 51 of 1977.
He admitted that he and the deceased were in a romantic relationship and lived together at 437 Nekkies, Knysna. Although not married, they cohabited in a domestic relationship as defined in Section 1(b) of the Domestic Violence Act, 116 of 1998.
On the evening of April 25, 2025, Mei was dropped off at their residence at 21:00 by her work transport. The couple then visited Noxozola and her brother, where they consumed alcohol. After returning home, they continued drinking. Faku claimed an unknown man came looking for Mei, which led him to accuse her of infidelity. Once their visitors left, Faku and Mei were alone in the house.
The argument escalated in bed. Faku claimed Mei brought up money issues to deflect from his accusations. He slapped her in the face, then sat on top of her, pinning her arms with his knees. He strangled her with his right hand until she lost consciousness and became motionless. He noticed blood on his t-shirt and attempted to resuscitate her with water, but she had already died.
As daylight approached on April 26, Faku, in a panic, tried to conceal the body. He wrapped Mei in blankets, moved her to the outside toilet, and ultimately dumped her headfirst into the pit latrine.
Faku later admitted to Senior Public Prosecutor Phumzile Nogonyoti that this was an attempt to hide the body and distance himself from the crime. He lied to Mei’s family, claiming she was at work.
Her colleague later informed the family that she had been reported missing. This led to the discovery of her body by police.
Faku acknowledged that his actions were criminal and punishable. He expressed remorse and requested leniency from the court.
The court sentenced him to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for murder and 7 years for defeating and obstructing the administration of justice. He was also ordered to serve the remaining 7 years of a previous 15-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, committed before this incident.
Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Nicollette Bell, welcomed the sentence and condemned the ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence and femicide.
She reaffirmed the National Prosecuting Authority’s commitment to tackling such crimes and ensuring justice is served.
