The Mpumalanga division of the High Court on Thursday sentenced Joseph Joeman Ndlovu (42) and Bonginkosi Shakoane (24) from Marite in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, to multiple life terms for violent crimes committed in Marite in two separate incidents.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority’s provincial spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, the sentencing comes after the pair was convicted on four counts of murder, obstructing the administration of justice, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

The court further declared the pair unfit to possess firearms in terms of the Firearms Control Act.

“In one incident, which happened on April 18, 2021, Ndlovu and Shakoane were in a vehicle driven by Angel Magagula. Along the way, they drove past Mondi Mandlas and Thabo Dibakoane.

“The driver, Magagula, greeted the victims, which angered Ndlovu, who then indicated that he hated them because one of them once greeted him in front of the police. Shortly after that, the accused went back to look for the victims. They found them busy fixing their vehicle tyre,” says Nyuswa.

She adds that the thugs got out of the vehicle, pretended they wanted to help, and then fatally shot the men.

“They also shot and killed Sinky Mokoena, who lived in the vicinity and went to investigate when she heard the gunshots. They then burnt the deceased’s vehicle and drove away.”

In the second incident on August 21, 2021, the accused, armed with unlicensed firearms, went to Bhengazi Tavern in Marite Trust.

“They fatally shot Nkosinathi Thabang Mokoena in full view of other patrons,” says Nyuswa.

The matter was reported to the police and the accused were identified and arrested.

In court, they pleaded not guilty and Senior State Advocate Deen Govender led evidence of eyewitnesses.

The statement of an eyewitness, who was killed before he could testify, was handed in in terms of the Hearsay Act.

The evidence was supported by expert witnesses from the forensic science laboratory regarding the cartridge casings found at the crime scenes.

The court found the accused guilty as charged.

Advocate Zwelethu Mata requested that the court not deviate from the minimum sentence. He further argued that the accused should be removed from society as they terrorised the community of Marite.

Acting Judge Theron took into consideration all relevant factors placed before the court and sentenced Ndlovu to three life terms and an additional 45 years in prison.

Shakoane was sentenced to four life terms and 60 years imprisonment.