By Aphiwe Ngowapi
The Makhanda High Court this week sentenced former paramedic Nomsa Seyisi to life imprisonment for the murder of her cousin’s boyfriend and 15 years for the attempted murder of the cousin.
Judge Thandi Victoria Norman ordered the two sentences to run concurrently, effectively sentencing Seyisi to life imprisonment.
After a trial that lasted a little more than a week, the matter was concluded on Monday with justice for Thembinkosi Wambi and Zukiswa Frans.
The case sent shockwaves across Makhanda.
Seyisi had pleaded not guilty to all the charges, dismissing any suggestions of a murder plot.
However, she was convicted of murder and attempted murder.
The court found Seyisi complicit in a scheme to eliminate Wambi and Frans, linked to an insurance policy taken out by Seyisi’s associate, Buntu Melani, on Frans’ life.
Sentencing Seyisi on Monday, judge Norman also took into account social worker Nomonde Stamper’s testimony. Stamper had recommended direct imprisonment, noting Seyisi’s lack of remorse and asserting that she was not suitable for rehabilitation.
Stamper also testified about the impact of long-term imprisonment for Seyisi’s children and clarified that all children involved, including those of the victims (Wambi and Frans) would be impacted by the whole situation.
She mentioned that all parties involved would receive counseling and therapy.
Judge Norman accepted the social worker’s report.
Norman said Seyisi had planned and orchestrated the murder, knowingly committing the offenses and associating herself with people she claimed she knew were criminals.
She said life imprisonment was the prescribed minimum sentence for the murder offence and was appropriate for the crimes committed by Seyisi.
Read full story in Grocott’s Mail on Friday.
