Six men stand trial for murder of Durban North gallery owner Alan Gordon

Two and a half years after the charred remains of Durban North art gallery owner Alan Gordon (57) were discovered in Ndwedwe, the trial of six men accused of his murder began in the Durban High Court on Monday.

The State alleges that two of the accused, Mluleki Alex Gwala (20) and Nkanyiso Mathenjwa (28), lived with Gordon and were his lovers and employees, as well as the masterminds behind the alleged plot.

They appeared alongside Siphesihle Gift Vilakazi (22), Mqobi Hoboyi (19), Mvelo Hlambisa (19) and Nkululeko Mpanza (18) on charges of murder or conspiracy to commit murder, and theft or conspiracy to commit theft.

The State alleges Gwala, who had access to Gordon’s banking application, and Mathenjwa planned to kill Gordon for financial gain and enlisted their co-accused to help.

According to the indictment, a mutual friend or lover identified only as ‘Thabani’ was at Gordon’s home with Gwala and Mathenjwa on the evening of March 7, 2024. An argument ensued early the following morning and Thabani was ordered to leave.

Mathenjwa allegedly left with Thabani to ensure he did not return, while Gwala allegedly let Vilakazi, Hoboyi, Hlambisa and Mpanza onto the property. They allegedly assaulted Gordon with a fire extinguisher and repeatedly stabbed him in the neck.

The five then allegedly loaded Gordon’s body into his VW T-Roc and drove to a remote location in Ndwedwe, where they dumped it, doused it with petrol and set it alight.

The State further alleges that after Gordon’s death, the accused stole R126 731 from his bank account and took his Absa Gold credit card, watch, two cellphones and laptop.

A post-mortem examination established the cause of death as stab wounds to the neck.

The matter was adjourned to September 2 for the appointment of new legal counsel for Mathenjwa after his representative withdrew. All six accused remain in custody.