A Plettenberg Bay guardian, Mboneleli Msila, was sentenced to two life terms yesterday for orchestrating the murder of his foster daughter, Nomdundu Mafani, in a bid to cash out insurance policies.

The 23-year-old victim, who had lived with Msila for 12 years, was shot 15 times in an attack carried out by hitmen hired by her guardian. 

News24 reports that Msila appeared in the Western Cape High Court, sitting in Knysna, with his three co-accused: Mbulelo Jack (25), Monde Tshemese (35) and Lungisile Lucas (41).

The three were contracted to kill Mafani, a crime they carried out in April 2022.

Investigations revealed that Msila had taken out several insurance policies on her life at various financial institutions to the value of R600 000.

Msila was handed two life terms for murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Jack was sentenced to 17 years for conspiracy to commit murder and another 17 years for murder. These were ordered to run concurrently.

Tshemese received two life terms for murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He was also sentenced to five years for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Lucas was sentenced to 17 years for conspiracy to commit murder and another 17 years for murder, the sentences to run concurrently.

Full News24 report