Former DA councillor gets four life terms for killing fiancée and children

A former Democratic Alliance councillor has on Friday been handed down four life sentences after he was found guilty of murdering his partner and children.

The Ladysmith Regional Court in KwaZulu-Natal further slapped Michael Buthelezi, 48, with an additional 15-year sentence for two counts of defeating the ends of justice and arson.

House set on fire

On 29 October 2023, a fire broke out in the two-roomed Bergville house Buthelezi shared with his 41-year-old fiancée, Khombisile Nyoka, and three children aged between two and 10.

The fire ravaged the house as the family was sleeping, killing Nyoka and Buthelezi’s two daughters, Lubanzi, 12, and Sibingele, two.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said Buthelezi and his 10-year-old son Zigizemdoda managed to escape the house.

“However, the child was put on palliative care and succumbed to his injuries later at the hospital. Buthelezi was placed under observation and treated for his injuries,” Ramkisson-Kara said.

Political killing claims

Buthelezi, who was a councillor at that time, claimed he was attacked because of his stance in the fight against corruption.

South African Police Service regional spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the Political Killings Task Team took over the investigations.

“But his tune took a dramatic turn when he later accused his partner’s ex-boyfriend of throwing a bomb inside the house,” Netshiunda said.

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Investigations point to Buthelezi

“Thorough police investigations proved that Buthelezi single-handedly killed his family, and overwhelming evidence convinced the court to hand down a maximum sentence,” he added.

During the trial, the state – represented by prosecutor Shika Siverpersad – led the evidence of 11 witnesses including, the first people to arrive at the scene, medical personnel and a relative.

Trouble in paradise

According to the NPA, the relative told the court that Buthelezi and Nyoka had a tumultuous relationship and that he had threatened to burn her to death just two weeks before the incident.

“In addition, Ms. Siverpersad handed in a Victim Impact Statement compiled by [Nyoka’s] father and facilitated by court preparation officer Khulekani Professor Mthembu. In his statement, the man said that he and his family were hurt and traumatised by the incident. He said that the stress has adversely affected his health,” Ramkisson-Kara said.

Buthelezi’s sentencing

Buthelezi was sentenced to life imprisonment for each of the four counts of murder, five years’ imprisonment for the arson and five years’ imprisonment for each of the two counts of defeating the ends of justice.

He will serve an effective life imprisonment, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Prosecutors and police commended

“The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter as it underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and serious crimes,” Ramkisson-Kara said.

“We commend the prosecution team and law enforcement for their relentless pursuit of justice, and we hope this outcome brings some comfort and closure to the families of the victims.”

The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, praised the investigating team for uncovering the truth and debunking claims that the murders were politically motivated.

“It takes dedication and paying attention to every detail to detect untruths from purported victims, and we applaud our investigators for digging out facts and present strong evidence before the court,” Mkhwanazi said.

“It is our aim to solve every murder case, and sentences of this nature are the expected reward for cases well investigated.”

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