Double Life Sentences for Baphumelele Zulu After Brutal Murder of Two Schoolgirls
IXOPO – The Ixopo Regional Court has delivered a landmark ruling in the fight against gender-based violence, sentencing 24-year-old Baphumelele Zulu to two life terms for the brutal 2022 murders of two Grade 12 pupils.
The victims, Amanda Zulu and Minenhle Buthelezi, were attacked in the Ngwagwane area near Creighton while living in rented accommodation to be closer to their school. The court heard how Amanda was found bleeding outside the home, later succumbing to her injuries, while Minenhle’s body was discovered in a nearby ditch after she attempted to flee her attacker.
Compelling Evidence and Attempted Escape
State Prosecutor Siphosenkosi Dlamini presented a solid case that included DNA analysis linking Baphumelele Zulu to the scene. The court also heard details of Zulu's brief escape from lawful custody during a crime scene pointing-out procedure, an act that earned him an additional eight-year sentence to run concurrently with his life terms.
During the proceedings, Zulu showed no remorse, even as the families of the victims shared heartbreaking testimonies. Amanda’s father spoke of unbearable pain, while Minenhle’s aunt described the devastating impact the murders had on the victim's elderly grandmother.
A Final Verdict
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the double life sentences, stating that it serves as a sobering reminder that perpetrators of violent crime will be held fully accountable. With the concurrent eight-year sentence for his escape, Zulu is set to spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
