Philani Zama Buthelezi of Actonville was sentenced to 58 years imprisonment for two murders, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

He will serve an effective 45 years of direct imprisonment, as the sentences will run concurrently.
The conviction follows an investigation by sergeants Phika Mthethwa, Vikash Balgovind and Busi Xaba of the Actonville SAPS.

According to Ekurhuleni district SAPS spokesperson Captain Nelda Sekgobela, the first murder occurred in August 2021 when a man from Emandleni was shot multiple times at a stop street on Dube Street, Wattville.

The victim was travelling with a friend, a taxi driver, when an unknown shooter ambushed them. The victim died at the scene. His friend survived the attack.

The second murder was in January 2022. A well-known business owner was shot several times outside a butchery in Actonville. He was with his wife at the time.

The shooter also robbed the victim of his firearm before fleeing.

Following investigations, Buthelezi was arrested in April 2023 by Actonville SAPS Crime Prevention members after being found with an unlicensed gun and ammunition. He initially gave the police a false name, but detectives later confirmed his true identity and linked him to both murder cases.

“Through the hard work of the investigating team, the suspect was positively linked to both cases. Bail was opposed by the investigation team and he was eventually found guilty and sentenced,” said Sekgobela.

Actonville station commander Colonel Mbazima Maswanganyi welcomed the sentence and praised the investigating officers.

“This conviction demonstrates the dedication of our detectives. We encourage all investigators to continue working tirelessly to bring justice to victims and ensure our communities are safe,” he said.

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