The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, has convicted Busisiwe Dladla (47), a Johannesburg-based mashonisa, of murdering Mzwandile Konki after a dispute over an unpaid R15 000 loan.
The court found Dladla guilty of two counts of kidnapping, torture, murder, extortion, and money laundering.
Loan default triggered kidnapping plot
Evidence showed that Dladla lent Konki R15 000 and charged interest. When he failed to repay the debt, she took matters into her own hands and arranged for his kidnapping on 05 September 2022 to force payment.
Sergeant Molupe’s investigation revealed that police initially released Konki, but he still failed to repay the debt.
Just days later, on 09 September 2022, Dladla arranged a second kidnapping. She took Konki to her Randburg home, unlawfully detained him, threatened his family, and demanded money for his release.
The State showed that Dladla hired four unidentified men, who assaulted and tortured Konki during this period.
He later died from his injuries on 10 September 2022.
Extorted money laundered through family accounts
The court heard that the accused paid money extorted from Konki’s family into the bank account of her daughter and co-accused, Sinethemba Dladla (25).
She later transferred the money to her younger sister, Cebisile Dladla (41), to hide the illegal proceeds.
Both women were convicted of money laundering.
During her testimony, Dladla denied knowing the men who assaulted Konki.
However, State Advocate Colleen Ryan presented WhatsApp messages that directly linked her to the perpetrators.
The court rejected Dladla’s version, finding it inconsistent and unreliable.
The matter has been postponed to 15 April 2026 for sentencing. Dladla remains in custody, while the two co-accused are out on bail pending sentencing.
NPA issues warning on loan shark violence
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the conviction and said it sends a strong message that authorities will not tolerate violent debt enforcement, exploitation, or illegal money-lending.
