The Eastern Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa in Makhanda has sentenced Siyabulela Tshemese, 45, to life imprisonment for the murder of his 34-year-old girlfriend, Amanda Kweyama, whom he beat to death after she became heavily intoxicated.
The court heard that the incident occurred on October 27, 2024.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Ursula Roelofse said Tshemese and Kweyama had been drinking at a local tavern.
After it closed at about 9pm, they left together.
“According to the accused, the deceased was intoxicated and could not walk any further, and it was also raining,” Roelofse said.
She said that while Tshemese was trying to support Kweyama as they walked, he noticed a group of men approaching. He allegedly left her next to the road and ran home to fetch a stick to defend himself and her.
When he returned, Kweyama was no longer where he had left her. He was told she had been taken to a nearby house.
Tshemese went to the house, where he found Kweyama still heavily intoxicated and unable to walk.
“He carried her and beat her with the stick until he got tired and left her on the roadside until the morning,” Roelofse said.
The following morning, Tshemese was woken by his father and informed that Kweyama had died. He went to the scene and found her dead. He was later arrested.
Tshemese first appeared in the Ugie Magistrate’s Court on October 30, 2024.
Bail was successfully opposed. The matter was transferred to the Makhanda High Court on September 1, 2025.
He remained in custody until 20 February 2026, when he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Joe Gqabi District Commissioner Major General Lindelwa Vellem commended the investigating officer, Detective Constable Brian Koitsiwe, and his mentor, Detective Warrant Officer Mboniswa Methuso of the Ugie detectives, for their dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction.
Vellem said the life sentence sends a strong message that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated.
“As SAPS, we remain resolute in the fight against gender-based violence and will continue to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice,” Vellem added.
IOL News
Simon Majadibodu
iol.co.za