Son gets two life sentences for murdering father and attempting to kill mother

A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to two life terms for murdering his father and attempting to kill his mother in an attack allegedly motivated by financial gain.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Manqu Ndimphiwe was sentenced in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg after being convicted of murder, attempted murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The charges stem from an incident at the family home in Leondale, Germiston, on 31 January 2023.

Ndimphiwe’s parents had returned home in the early afternoon when he allegedly approached their vehicle at the gate armed with a firearm and opened fire.

His father, Mawethu Manqu, suffered fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. His mother was also shot, with the bullet entering through her cheek and exiting through her chin. She survived after receiving emergency medical treatment.

The court sentenced Ndimphiwe to life imprisonment for his father’s murder and a further life sentence for the attempted murder of his mother. He was also sentenced to five years for unlawful possession of a firearm and three years for unlawful possession of ammunition.

State Advocate William Makwela argued that the attack was premeditated and driven by Ndimphiwe’s desire to benefit from his parents’ wealth, pension benefits and other assets.

During sentencing, Ndimphiwe’s mother and sister testified about the devastating impact of the crimes on the family and expressed their fear of the accused.

The NPA said the sentence demonstrates the seriousness with which violent crimes against family members are treated.