SAPS officer jailed for 20 years following fatal acid attack on girlfriend

Zuko Komisa

Courtney Badrodien Madella, a 30-year-old police officer, was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for the murder of her partner, Nomalungelo Khumalo.
The conviction stems from a horrific acid attack in February 2023, which fatally wounded Khumalo and injured a friend.
Madella received a 15-year sentence for murder and five years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively.

A South African police officer, Courtney Badrodien Madella, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of her partner, Nomalungelo Khumalo, in a brutal acid attack.

The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, handed down the sentence after Madella was found guilty of the crime.

The court heard that in February 2023, Madella (30) and Khumalo had returned home from a party with a friend. An argument broke out between the couple, during which Madella threw acid on her partner, causing severe burn injuries.

The attack was so violent that it also harmed the friend, who had been sleeping on a nearby sofa.

Ms Khumalo was rushed to the hospital but sadly died from her injuries.

Prosecutors, led by Senior State Advocate Rachel Kau, emphasised the sheer brutality of the attack. Ms Kau highlighted the profound impact of the crime, with Ms Khumalo’s mother giving distressing testimony about seeing her daughter in a tragic state before her death.

Madella received a 15-year sentence for murder and an additional five years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The judge ordered that the sentences run consecutively, resulting in a total of 20 years behind bars.