UPDATE: Induna’s killers sentenced
Two of the three men accused of killing an induna (tribal councillor) in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal have been convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment each.
The two men, Foni Myaka, 30, and Phiwe Welcome Ndulini, 24, appeared in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to the murder of the induna, Bhekithemba Dlezakhe Gcwabaza, 50, two weeks ago.
It is alleged Gcwabaza was killed because he was suspected of being involved in the killing of the accused’s relatives in 1988.
The third suspect will appear in court soon after he was allegedly found in possession of a 9mm pistol suspected to have been used to kill Gcwabaza.
Major Thulani Zwane told The Citizen police were still waiting for results after the firearm was sent for ballistics testing to establish if it had been used in any other crimes.
The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, welcomed the sentence handed down to the accused.
“People who are taking the law into their own hands will be prosecuted and face heavy sentences. I also commend Kranskop detectives who gathered sufficient evidence that led to the conviction of the accused within a month after the murder was reported,” added Ngobeni.
In a separate incident, a man was sentenced in the High Court in Johannesburg to life imprisonment for murder and armed robbery last Monday.
“Mandla Ntombela, 30, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 48 years’ imprisonment at Johannesburg High Court,” said Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele. He was also sentenced for armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Ntombela robbed and shot dead 55-year-old Hai Fu Zhu on February 27, 2014 in Johannesburg, said Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele.
Zhu died on the scene and Ntombela was arrested later on the same day, added Warrant Officer Xoli Mbele.
– Caxton News Service
Read original story on citizen.co.za
