But not everyone satisfied with the hefty jail term for Sonwabo XolaSome peace at last for survivors of man’s murderous rampage

• Published date: 07 May 2024
• Publication title: Herald, The (Port Elizabeth, South Africa)

Though the surviving victims of Sonwabo Xola’s jealous and murderous rage believe they can finally sleep peacefully knowing he is behind bars with no option of parole, they are haunted by the mental scars from their encounters with him

Xola was sentenced in the Gqeberha high court on Thursday to 30 years behind bars plus 15 months for time served for the murder of his former girlfriend, Phumeza Cynthia Stephen, 46, on January 15 2023, as well as a range of other offences, including attempted murder, assault and housebreaking.

Police sources said Xola had entered into a plea agreement with the state, and that the sentences for the various convictions would run concurrently.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed that Xola was denied the option of parole.

A year before murdering Stephen — on February 14 2022 — Xola attacked the boyfriend of another former girlfriend, stabbing him in the leg, arm and eye.

As a result of the attack, which took place in Khayamnandi, the man lost sight in the eye.

A case of attempted murder was opened by the Despatch police.

On March 8 2022, Xola forced his way into the home of his former girlfriend in Khayamnandi and stabbed her in the left arm.

He then fled to Kwazakhele.

A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was opened.

Xola evaded the police after the first two attacks and, on January 15 2023, forced his way into a home in Dr Joe Maroko Street, Khayamnandi.

“[He was] seeking revenge on Stephen and her new boyfriend.

“He proceeded to the bedroom and attacked a 57-year-old man by stabbing him several times,” Beetge said.

“After the victim’s wife started shouting, the accused realised he was in the wrong house and left.

“He then forced open the front door at another house in Dr Joe Maroko Street.

“While Stephen’s boyfriend attempted to stop the accused from attacking her, she managed to flee from the house.

“The accused, after stabbing the boyfriend, pursued Stephen and repeatedly stabbed her.”

She died at the scene.

Yesterday, The Herald retraced the trail of devastation caused by Xola through the families of his victims.

Andile Gwadela, 50, was the man who lost his eye on that fateful Valentine’s Day in 2022.

He recalled the horrific night when he returned home after celebrating a victory with his local soccer team.

“I was walking home. He followed me.

“I opened the back door, took the laundry off from the washing line. When I turned to enter my room he was standing in my room.

“I asked him...