Mother sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for orchestrating murder of her son in South Africa

By Samantha Allen

Published: January 31, 2022 | 7:54 PM GMT

A lady was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Pietermaritzburg High Court in Zwazulu Natal for premeditated murder and fraud. Ziningi Jane Nzama, 49, is accused of murdering her son, Asanda Nzama, in order to collect R1.5 million in insurance.

After pleading guilty to the charges on January 24, 2022, Nzama was sentenced on Monday, January 31. Asanda Kwanda Nzama’s body was discovered inside a residence in Esikhelekehleni in Inchanga on April 10, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., with gunshot wounds to the head and body.

He was declared dead the scene. After an intensive investigation by the investigating officer assigned to investigate the docket, the accused Ziningi Jane Nzama was arrested on 11 December 2021 for the premeditated murder of her son.

Two more accused Simphiwe Silangwe (29) and Mthokoziseni Majozi (49) were also placed under arrest for charges of premediated murder and fraud.

During the course of the investigation, it emerged that the deceased was killed due to insurance policies that were taken under his name by the accused.

The matter regarding the two accused was adjourned to 24 February 2022 in the Camperdown Magistrates Court. The accused are still in custody.

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.