A high-profile Eastern Cape murder case that shocked the local Eastern Cape community and its locals in 2017 was held last week at the town of Burgersdorp, where the murder incurred so the victims’ family and locals could attend the proceedings.
On 6 March 2026, the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court held sentencing proceedings in Burgersdorp, where 52 year old Nokuzola Nxilolo and 44 year old Mzamo Ciko were sentenced on two counts, murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The pair received five years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit murder and life imprisonment for murder.
The sentences relate to the murder of 51 year old Sindezama Nxilolo, who was shot and killed on 3 July 2017 at his residence in Camelia Street, Eureka Location, Burgersdorp. At the time, the victim was employed as a traffic officer at the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality.
Investigations revealed that Nokuzola Nxilolo, who was married to the victim, was involved in a romantic relationship with Mzamo Ciko. The victim was seen as an obstacle to their relationship, which led to the hiring of a hitman from Cape Town. On the night of the incident, the hitman was taken to the victim’s home by Ciko, where he shot the victim seven times at close range before fleeing the scene.
The hitman, Lungile Ntungwana, was arrested in 2017 and later convicted on 1 September 2021, receiving a sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment. He later became a state witness in the case against the other two accused.
Detectives’ investigations led to the gaining of critical evidence that led to the arrest of Nxilolo and Ciko in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, in 2022. They were remanded in custody after appearing in the Burgersdorp Magistrate’s Court, while the matter was transferred to the Makhanda High Court.
The investigation team included Captain Modise (retired), Warrant Officer Thembekile Mlindazwe, Warrant Officer Sinethemba Mtshawu, and Sergeant Buyelwa Tindleni, whose tireless efforts and coordination ensured a breakthrough in the case.
Acting Joe Gqabi EC District Commissioner, Colonel Zingisa Manqoyi, commended a team of detectives for their dedication and outstanding investigative work following the successful conviction and sentencing of two individuals involved in the that shocked the 2017 murder that shocked the Burgersdorp community.
Colonel Manqoyi praised the detectives for their commitment, professionalism, and teamwork.
He also praised the strong collaboration between the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority, which resulted in the successful conviction and lengthy sentences. “The SAPS remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are brought to book and that justice is served,” Manqoyi said.
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