Vuyiswa Mali

Vuyiswa Mali (1992 - 2020)

Brief overview:

Vuyiswa (28), partner of herdsman Bulelani Tshaka (38), at the Spioenkop farm in Alexandria, was murdered on 9th March 2020. Three perpetrators, who attacked Bulelani, when attempting to steal a weaned calf, stabbed her and then hanged her from a beam with a piece of wire. She was found the next morning by co-workers.

Bulelani was severely assaulted with a spade, which resulted in him sustaining numerous wounds in his face, head, body and legs. He managed to escape and hide in bushes nearby, where he lost consciousness due to loss of blood.

On 10th June 2021, in the Grahamstown High Court, the three perpetrators were sentenced for murder, attempted murder and aggravated robbery. The three accused Luzuko Msweli (30) and Mabuthi Bless (35) were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for attempted murder and 15 years for aggravated robbery. Nkosinathi Sokutu was sentenced to 25 years for murder, 15 years for attempted murder and 15 years for aggravated robbery.

The investigating officer in the case was Constable Zandile Lindi. He said, “I would like to thank my officers and colleagues who assisted me during the initial stages of this investigation. I extend my sincere appreciation to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for their continued support throughout the trial. Their guidance has assisted in securing the successful sentence in this case. The witnesses in this case were also extremely cooperative and I thank them for their patience.”

Brief Biography:

• Other Victims/Family
• Funeral/Memorial
• The Farm/Smallholding
• The Region (Land disputes, other incidents etc.)

Attack Details:

• Date and time of attack
• Weapons
• Items Stolen
• Investigative officer/SAPS Case No:
• Torture, Gratuitous violence
• Indications of Hate Crime? Threats etc.

Perpetrator details:

• Number and Descriptions
• Arrests
• Name/s and age/s of Perpetrator/s
• Country of origin of Perpetrator/s
• Trial/Conviction

Additional Biographical Information:

Links to Media articles:

• https://archive.is/f3OMk