A man who emptied a pot of hot cooking oil over a street vendor in White River , Mpumalanga ,has been sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment.
Given Smiso Nkosi, 38, was sentenced by the Nelspruit Regional Court after being convicted of the attempted murder of Emelinah Mdlovu.
According to Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, the attack happened on 24 January 2026 while Mdlovu was selling vetkoek at her street vending stall.
Nkosi was not known to Mdlovu.
Nyuswa said Mdlovu noticed Nkosi arguing with another man before the dispute escalated into a physical fight near her stall, where she was frying vetkoek in a large pot of hot oil.
Mdlovu warned the men to stop fighting and move away, telling them that the oil could cause serious injuries.
Nkosi then turned his aggression towards her.
Fearing for her safety, Mdlovu fled from her vending station. Nkosi grabbed the pot containing the hot oil, chased after her and, after catching up with her, poured the oil over her body.
The attack left Mdlovu with severe burn injuries.
Nyuswa said an eyewitness travelling in a vehicle saw Nkosi chasing Mdlovu and pouring the hot oil over her.
The witness intervened and called for assistance, while police arrived shortly afterwards and arrested Nkosi.
Mdlovu was transported to hospital by ambulance for urgent medical treatment.
Nyuswa said the NPA successfully opposed Nkosi’s release on bail, resulting in him remaining in custody until the conclusion of the case.
Nkosi pleaded not guilty during the trial.
State prosecutor Simon Mamabolo presented evidence from Mdlovu and the eyewitness, supported by medical evidence confirming the seriousness of her injuries.
The court subsequently found Nkosi guilty of attempted murder.
In aggravation of sentence, the State argued that Nkosi posed a danger to society and highlighted that the attack was carried out in broad daylight.
Nyuswa said the prosecution also emphasised that Mdlovu was an innocent bystander who was simply conducting her daily business to earn a livelihood and support her household when she became the victim of Nkosi’s violent actions.
The court sentenced Nkosi to 15 years’ direct imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Nyuswa said the successful prosecution and sentence demonstrated the NPA’s commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable and ensuring justice for victims.
She said the sentence sends a clear message that senseless acts of violence against innocent members of society will not be tolerated and will attract serious consequences.
