Tsolo nurse jailed for life for murdering girlfriend after history of abuse

A 34-year-old nurse has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his girlfriend in a jealous rage, after the court heard she had endured a history of domestic abuse before her death.

Baxolile Masiza was sentenced by the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Mthatha for the murder of fellow nurse Nosethu Rawuzela, 24.

The murder happened on 8 March 2025 in Gomeni Location, Tsolo.

The court heard that Masiza invited Rawuzela to his cousin's home, where they spent the night in separate bedrooms.

The following morning, Masiza woke his cousin and asked for help taking Rawuzela to hospital.

When the cousin entered the room, he found Rawuzela lying severely injured on a bed.

She was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Masiza was arrested shortly afterwards and admitted to assaulting Rawuzela with the leg of a wooden table after becoming enraged by his belief that she was involved with another man.

He was later released on bail.

During the trial, Masiza pleaded not guilty and claimed he had been heavily intoxicated and had not intended to kill Rawuzela.

State Advocate Avumile Bikitsha led evidence from Masiza's cousin, the investigating officer and the doctor who conducted the post-mortem examination.

The court heard that Rawuzela tried to escape during the attack, but Masiza tripped her, causing her to fall and hit her head.

He then allegedly dragged her back into the house by her hair and continued beating her, including repeatedly banging her head against a wall.

During sentencing, the State presented evidence from Rawuzela's aunt, who told the court that her niece had endured domestic abuse throughout the relationship.

The aunt said Rawuzela had previously shown her injuries, including bruises around her neck after an alleged strangulation incident.

She also testified that Rawuzela had once been forced to leave Masiza's home at midnight after another girlfriend arrived.

Although Rawuzela had tried to end the relationship, Masiza allegedly continued harassing her, including following her to her family home and refusing to leave unless he was allowed inside.

Just a week before her death, Rawuzela had reportedly told her family that Masiza had slapped her.

Her relatives repeatedly encouraged her to report the abuse to police, but she refused because she loved him.

In handing down the life sentence, Judge Mbulelo Jolwana condemned the sustained domestic violence that preceded Rawuzela's murder.

The court found that there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

Masiza was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Samkelo Mtwana welcomed the sentence, saying it reinforced the NPA's commitment to fighting gender-based violence and femicide.

"This sentence sends a clear message that perpetrators of violence against women will be held accountable for their actions," Mtwana said.

"The NPA remains committed to ensuring justice for victims and their families and to pursuing the harshest consequences available under the law for those convicted of such heinous crimes."

The NPA said it would continue working to ensure that victims of gender-based violence and their families receive justice through the criminal justice system.