The Elukwatini Regional Court has sentenced Clement Njabulo Nhlabathi (23) to life imprisonment and a further 15 years for the murder and robbery of medical doctor Mthunzi Zwane (27).

According to Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, Nhlabathi was initially charged alongside Lwazi Panel Motha (22), Sakhile Siphamandla Nkosi (23), Nthatheng Hopewell Makhanya (22) and Nkosenhle Prince Masina (24).

The co-accused pleaded not guilty, prompting the state to successfully apply for a separation of trials.

Attacked near tavern

The court heard that on July 6, 2023, Zwane visited Stars Local Tavern in Nhlazatshe 1, Elukwatini, to buy alcohol.

While there, he was noticed by a group of men who followed him as he left the tavern.

At a nearby bridge, the group attacked him, repeatedly stabbing him while demanding his bank card and Pin.

After Zwane handed over his bank card and Pin, the attackers realised he was no longer breathing and pushed his body into a nearby river, where he drowned.

The group then returned to the tavern and used Zwane’s bank card several times to buy alcohol until the transaction limit was reached before discarding the card.

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Zwane’s body was discovered the following day, and police investigations led to the arrest of the suspects. One of the accused later pointed out where the stolen bank card had been thrown away.

Prosecutor rejects remorse plea

Nhlabathi pleaded guilty to murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, admitting that his actions were unlawful.

His defence argued that his guilty plea, remorse and willingness to accept responsibility justified a lesser sentence.

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However, state prosecutor Mxolisi Biyela argued that the plea was prompted by overwhelming evidence, including eyewitness testimony, a confession and evidence obtained during the investigation, rather than genuine remorse.

The state also highlighted the devastating impact of the crime on Zwane’s family and the wider Elukwatini community.

A victim impact statement by Zwane’s sister revealed that, after losing both their parents, he was her only immediate family member and primary source of financial support. She said his death had shattered their dream of building a family home together.

No reason for lesser sentence

In sentencing, the court described the murder as exceptionally brutal and found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentence.

Nhlabathi was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and a further 15 years’ direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The case against the remaining four accused has been postponed to September 29, 2026, before the same court.