Man jailed for five years over manslaughter of his step-son who he had in a headlock until his heart stopped

Jabulane Abraham Ngcobo, 61, was found guilty by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court following a trial and sentenced today (November 10).

His 33-year-old step-son Kabelo Sam Mokoena, who was known as Sam, was classed as a vulnerable adult and had a history of mental health challenges.

He was still living in the family home in Lee Street, Hull, when a confrontation broke out on August 8, 2017.

Police said Ngcobo put his step-son in a headlock for "such a length of time and with such enormous pressure that his heart stopped".

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Cockerill of Humberside Police, who was the senior investigating officer said, “Sam died as a result of being held around the neck during a confrontation in the family home at Lee Street in Hull on August 8, 2017.

"Sam was a vulnerable adult with a history of mental health challenges and was still living in the family home. The evidence showed a long standing and developing bitterness towards Sam by his step father Ngcobo, who had never been able to accept his illness.

“Ngcobo had dictated a regime in the family home which meant that Sam experienced a miserable existence and this was evidenced during the six day trial. This is a tragic case which led to a young man losing his life.

“Sam was held in a head lock for such a length of time and with such enormous pressure that his heart stopped. The defence put forward was one of self-defence but was not believed by the court and this conviction reinforces the resentment and treatment that Sam had suffered.

“Sam will be fondly remembered by those who loved him, his love of music and his family.”

-------------------------

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click here to subscribe.