Trio of gunmen sentenced to life imprisonment for political murders
Khumbulani Madlala (25), Msizi Majola (31) and Thembinkosi Mbopha Makhathini (30), from Estcourt were sentenced after being found guilty for murder
On Tuesday, August 11 lengthy murder trials came to an end in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Khumbulani Madlala (25), Msizi Majola (31) and Thembinkosi Mbopha Makhathini (30), from Estcourt were sentenced after being found guilty for murder. Khumbulani Madlala began to serve a double life sentence for the murder of Muzi Mnikathi and Mcebisi Duma.
“Both the deceased men were members of the National Freedom Party (NFP),” clarified Regional Spokesperson and Director of Public Prosecutor in KZN, Natasha Kara.
Mr Mnikathi, 28-years-old at the time of the incident in July 2010, was at his home when the accused, Madlala shot him and fled the scene. A case of murder was filed at the Estcourt Police Station and an investigation proceeded.
On February 16, 2011 at approximately 6pm Mr Duma, 32-years of age at the time, was driving his vehicle along Ntabamhlophe Road, when he was shot and killed by the accused. A case of murder was also registered at the police station and the suspects were arrested.
Msizi Majola and Mbopha Makhathini were each sentenced to life imprisonment for killing of Mr Mnikathi. The evidence that implicated the accused in court was a witness who testified to being part of planning of these murders.
The witness also confirmed that the accused bought cell phones and a car that were used in the execution of the crimes. Senior state Advocate Ncedile Dunywa stated that the murders were politically fuelled and was as a result of different ideologies between the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and NFP members.
The director of Public Prosecutions in KZN Advocate Moipone Noko said that the NPA welcomes both the conviction and sentence in this matter; given the trend these days of political intolerance. “We hope that this sends out the relevant message that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated by the courts.
“Thanks to the dedicated team of investigators justice has been served,” she added. The sentences were welcomed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) who hope it will serve as a warning to other criminals and potential criminals.
