Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family of slain district prosecutor Elona Sombulula, who was tragically shot and killed in the Eastern Cape on the evening of 29 April 2025.
Minister Kubayi, accompanied by National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Advocate Shamila Batohi and other senior officials, visited the Sombulula family to offer support and reaffirm the state’s commitment to justice.
Sombulula, a promising young prosecutor and graduate of the Aspirant Prosecutors Programme, had already begun handling complex cases. Minister Kubayi suggested that his dedication and caseload may have played a role in his untimely death.
“This is one of the prosecutors who was deeply committed and already showing strong potential,” Kubayi said. “Some of the suspicions are that it could be one of the cases he was working on that led to his demise.”
The Minister confirmed that law enforcement agencies are working urgently to bring those responsible to justice. “I have spoken to the Minister of Police and appealed for swift action. We must ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act face the full might of the law, so the family can find justice and closure.”
Kubayi emphasized that such acts of violence must not deter the work of prosecutors. “Prosecutors must be able to do their work without fear. Our justice system relies on their courage and sacrifice, and we must protect them.”
NPA head Advocate Batohi also condemned the murder in the strongest terms, describing it as an attack on South Africa’s constitutional values. “Any attack on a prosecutor is an attack on the rule of law, on justice, and on the very foundation of our democracy,” she said. “Our deepest condolences to Mr. Sombulula’s family and loved ones. We will honour his memory by continuing the work he so bravely carried out.”
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