Duduza murderers sentenced to jail
Despite the fact that South Africa is in the grip of a nationwide lock down following president Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of the State of Disaster, the Department of Justice continues its efforts to serve justice on those who engage in criminal activities.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, 30-year-old Vusimali Samele from Duduza was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of murder.
Sentence was handed down at Nigel Magistrate Court on March 9, almost a year after the initial trial. Samele was found guilty after stabbing and killing Bettino Mazibuko on 5 May 2019. Through the investigation, it was learned that Samele engaged in an argument with the victim, which resulted in a physical fight outside a tavern on the day of the murder. The suspect produced a knife and stabbed the victim several times, leaving him fatally injured.
In another murder case that was heard in Nigel Magistrate Court on March 9, three suspects were found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to five years imprisonment each. According to Sgt Harry Manaka (SAPS Duduza spokesperson) the suspects executed mob justice, after catching a thief in the act of stealing. The victim had reportedly broken into a house where he stole clothes.
“He was beaten to death by the suspects. The trio, a father and his son, as well as their tenant, were arrested by the police shortly after the assault,” Sgt Manaka said.
In addition to being sent to jail, the suspects were also declared unfit to possess a firearm. While handing down judgement, the magistrate mentioned that it was imperative to send a strong message to the community against taking the law into their own hands. This should be a lesson to others that no one has a right to assault another person or decide on the fate of another person. The court further emphasised the importance of the community to work with the arms of the state to ensure that those suspected to have committed crimes are properly dealt with and removed from society through lawful processes.
Both cases were investigated by Detective Sergeant Nivea Mahlaba, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the evidence needed by the court was presented lawfully and without unnecessary delay for the court to conclude its cases.
SAPS Duduza station commander Lt Colonel Bheki Mhlungu welcomed the sentence and commended Det Sgt Mahlaba’s efforts. He also urged the community to continue working with the police and not to take the law into their own hands, as it will result in criminal charges.
