15-year-old sentenced to 43 years in prison for robbing and killing school principal in South Africa

Thursday, November 28, 2024 - A 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to 43 years in prison by the Nongoma regional court after being convicted for robbing and k!lling Prince Bhekintinta High School principal, Alpheus Mphumuzeni Ntuli, 61.

The horrific incident occurred on April 22 last year, when Ntuli was reported missing, leading to a police investigation.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda revealed that the teenager was first spotted by police when they were traveling from Bhanganoma cottages, where Ntuli lived, to a nearby police station. The suspect was seen driving Ntuli's vehicle on Mkhuze Road but sped off when authorities approached. He later abandoned the car and fled on foot.

Ntuli's lifeless body was found days later near a riverbank under a bridge in the Odwaleni area. His body bore multiple wounds and bruises, indicating a violent struggle. The teen was eventually tracked to his home in the KwaSnqandi area of Toyisa, where he was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition he had stolen from his grandfather.

After multiple court appearances, the teenager pleaded guilty to charges including murd3r, theft of a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and robbery with aggravating circumstances. On November 21, the court handed down a sentence of 43 years, marking the end of a tragic chapter for the Ntuli family and the community.