Ndwedwe resident Andile Errol Vilakazi (28) will serve life in prison after murdering his grandmother and attempting to murder three relatives.

According to iLembe police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar-Bukum, the sentence was handed down by the Verulam Regional Court on Thursday, August 28, following an investigation by detective sergeant Mbukeni Bernard Zuma of the Ndwedwe Serious and Violent Crimes Unit.

The court heard that on September 7 last year, Andile returned home highly intoxicated and began arguing with his 45-year-old aunt, Zimbili Innocentia Vilakazi, accusing her of treating him unfairly compared to her own children. The argument escalated into a violent assault.

Hearing the commotion, his grandparents, Bhekokwakhe (79) and Sbongile Vilakazi (70), intervened in an attempt protect her.

The three fled into the yard, but Andile followed, armed with a hammer. He fatally struck his grandmother, Sbongile.

The aunt called for Andile’s father, Bongani Vilakazi (51), to help. However, Vilakazi turned on the other family members, attempting to kill his grandfather, aunt, and father by striking them with the hammer. All three suffered serious injuries and were treated in hospital.

Ndwedwe police arrested Andile and charged him with murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

“The meticulous work of Detective Zuma ensured the suspect was kept in custody throughout the trial and ultimately received a just sentence,” said Nunkumar-Bukum.

Andile was convicted of murder and handed a life sentence.

For two counts of attempted murder, he received 15 years each; for assault GBH, 10 years; and for a further count of attempted murder, another 15 years.

The court ordered that all sentences run concurrently.

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