The wife of well-known Actonville security company owner Muhammed De-Lair (32) says she finally feels a sense of relief following the conviction and sentencing of the man responsible for her husband’s murder in 2022.

Philani Zama Buthelezi, also from Actonville, was recently sentenced to 58 years’ imprisonment on two counts of murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

He will serve an effective 45 years of direct imprisonment, as some sentences will run concurrently.

The first murder dates back to August 2021, when a man from Emandleni was shot multiple times at a stop street on Dube Street, Wattville. The victim, who was travelling with a taxi driver, died after being ambushed by an unknown shooter. His friend survived the attack.

The second murder was that of De-Lair, who owned Armour Me A-Tac, a private security company well-known in the Actonville area.

De-Lair was gunned down on January 28, 2022, along Mayet Drive at around 17:00.

He and his pregnant wife had gone to a local butchery, and while she waited in the car, he was shot multiple times upon his return.

The suspect stole De-Lair’s firearm before fleeing the scene.

Later that day, his wife went into labour, giving birth to their daughter just hours after his death.

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Speaking to the Benoni City Times, De-Lair’s widow, who asked not to be named, said she is grateful that justice has finally been served.

“We needed this as a family so we could get closure. Finally, something good has come out of this court case,” she said.

In an interview in 2022, the grieving widow, whose daughter is now four years old, shared how her husband had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child.

“Muhammed was so excited; he had so many plans for our baby girl. But all of that has been cut short. I’m still emotional, but I’m trying to be strong for my baby,” she said.

De-Lair also had three other children from a previous relationship.

A close friend and community member, Farouk Araie, described De-Lair as a dedicated and selfless protector of the community.

“He was available 24/7 to render medical and security assistance whenever the need arose,” said Araie.

“We will never forget his courageous service to humanity. A brave soul has departed our community, a fearless individual who lived to protect others. He was our guardian of freedom.”

The successful conviction followed a thorough investigation by Sergeants Phika Mthethwa, Vikash Balgovind, and Busi Xaba of the Actonville SAPS.

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