A man from Mpumalanga man who poured hot cooking oil over a street vendor has been sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment in the Nelspruit Regional Court.
Given Smiso Nkosi, 38, was convicted of the attempted murder of Emelinah Mdlovu.
The attack took place on January 24, 2026, in White River, where Mdlovu was selling vetkoek at her street vending stall.
The court heard that Nkosi was unknown to Mdlovu at the time.
Evidence before the court was that Mdlovu saw Nkosi arguing with another man. The altercation escalated into a physical fight and moved closer to her stall, where she was frying vetkoek in a large pot of hot cooking oil.
Concerned for their safety and her own, Mdlovu instructed the men to stop fighting and move away. She warned them that the oil could cause serious injuries.
The court heard that Nkosi then directed his aggression towards Mdlovu. Fearing for her safety, Mdlovu fled from her stall. At this time, Nkosi grabbed the pot containing the hot oil, chased after her, and upon catching up with her, poured the hot oil over her body.
An eyewitness travelling in a vehicle observed Nkosi pursuing Mdlovu and pouring the oil over her. The witness immediately intervened and called for assistance. Police responded swiftly and arrested Nkosi shortly thereafter. Mdlovu was transported to hospital by ambulance for urgent medical treatment.
The attack left Mdlovu with severe burn injuries.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opposed Nkosi’s release on bail, and he was remanded in custody until sentencing.
During the trial, Nkosi pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder.
Prosecutor Simon Mamabolo presented evidence from Mdlovu and the eyewitness, supported by medical evidence confirming 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 emphasised that the offence was committed in broad daylight.
The prosecution further highlighted that Mdlovu was an innocent bystander who was simply conducting her daily business to earn a livelihood and support her household when she became the victim of Nkosi’s violent actions.
Nkosi was subsequently sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment. The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The Mpumalanga spokesperson for the NPA, Monica Nyuswa, welcomed the sentencing.
“This successful prosecution and sentence underscore the NPA’s commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable and ensuring justice for victims. The sentence sends a clear message that senseless acts of violence against innocent members of society will not be tolerated and will attract serious consequences,” Nyuswa said.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za
