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A 38-year-old man who poured a pot of hot cooking oil over a street vendor in White River, Mpumalanga, has been sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for attempted murder.
Given Smiso Nkosi was sentenced by the Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) regional court after being convicted of attacking Emelinah Mdlovu, who was selling vetkoek at her street vending stall on January 24.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, Mdlovu noticed Nkosi arguing with another man near her stall. The argument escalated into a physical fight and moved towards the large pot of hot oil she was using to fry vetkoek.
Mdlovu told the men to stop fighting and move away, warning them that the hot oil could cause serious injuries.
Nyuswa said Nkosi then turned his aggression towards Mdlovu.
Fearing for her safety, she ran from her stall. Nkosi grabbed the pot of hot oil, chased after her and poured it over her body when he caught up with her.
In aggravation of sentence, the state argued that Nkosi posed a danger to society and highlighted that the attack happened in broad daylight
Mdlovu suffered severe burn injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment.
An eyewitness travelling in a vehicle saw Nkosi chasing Mdlovu and pouring the oil over her. The witness intervened and called for help, while police arrived shortly afterwards and arrested Nkosi.
The NPA successfully opposed Nkosi’s release on bail, and he remained in custody until the conclusion of the case.
Nkosi pleaded not guilty during the trial.
State prosecutor Simon Mamabolo led evidence from Mdlovu and the eyewitness, supported by medical evidence detailing the seriousness of her injuries. The court subsequently found Nkosi guilty of attempted murder.
In aggravation of sentence, the state argued that Nkosi posed a danger to society and highlighted that the attack happened in broad daylight.
The prosecution also told the court that Mdlovu had been going about her daily work, selling food to earn a living and support her household, when she became the target of the attack.
The court sentenced Nkosi to 15 years’ direct imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Nyuswa said the sentence reflects the seriousness with which violent crimes against innocent people are treated.
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