Zimbabwean Man Sentenced to Life for Murdering South African Girlfriend After She Spent Money He Had Been Saving to Pay Lobola for Her

Zimbabwean man Louis Serenetra Moyo has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his South African girlfriend, Thobile Grace Khoza.

Moyo, 49, an undocumented immigrant, brutally killed Thobile Khoza on March 12, 2024, after discovering that she had spent the money he had been saving to pay lobola for her, SowetanLive reveals.

Details of the Crime

Moyo, who had been cohabiting with Khoza since 2020, worked as a security guard in South Africa. Unable to open his own bank account due to his undocumented status, he used Khoza’s bank account to save money for the lobola.

By March 2024, Moyo had saved R15,000 for the payment. However, upon discovering that Khoza had spent the money, Moyo’s rage escalated.

According to Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the confrontation quickly turned violent.

“Moyo brutally assaulted Khoza using various objects, ultimately stabbing her, and leaving her to bleed to death,” Mjonondwane stated.

After the brutal attack, Moyo locked the room and fled the scene.

Discovery of the Crime

Khoza’s lifeless and decomposed body was discovered three days later, on March 15, after the landlord grew concerned by an unusual odour and the presence of flies.

Upon entering the room, the landlord made the grim discovery. Moyo was arrested shortly afterwards and found in possession of Khoza’s bank card, ID, and cell phone.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

During the trial at the Johannesburg High Court, Moyo pleaded guilty to murder. In his plea, he admitted that the act was premeditated and committed in a fit of rage. He acknowledged that his actions were a senseless response to Khoza’s betrayal.

Judge Dario Dosio condemned Moyo’s actions, pointing out the extreme violence and blatant disregard for both South African law and Khoza’s life.

In his ruling, Judge Dosio imposed a life sentence for the murder, as well as an additional six-month sentence for Moyo’s illegal presence in South Africa.