Two accused in a Ladysmith murder and robbery case will spend a long time behind bars after being convicted and sentenced in the Ezakheni Regional Court on April 24.
This conviction stems from a crime that took place on the afternoon of March 18, 2015.
On the day in question, a bakkie with six occupants was travelling on the Umhlumayo road in the Fitty Park area of Ezakheni. The driver and an elderly woman were seated in the vehicle, while four youngsters sat at the back.
Suddenly, a gunshot rang out and at least six men appeared on the roadway. The men were armed with rifles.
The vehicle came to an abrupt stop.
The elderly lady, Florence Qhohile (63), sustained a fatal gunshot wound. The armed men wasted no time in removing the driver and the deceased from the vehicle.
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The deceased was thrown to the side of the roadway and the driver was instructed to join the youngsters on the back of the vehicle, where they were made to lay face down while being guarded by the gunmen. The vehicle was driven to a deserted road in the Mbondwane area of Waaihoek, where part of the group began to strip the vehicle of its engine parts as well as its wheels.
The men then disappeared into the bush.
Police were alerted and began their investigation. The vehicle was brought in and examined by forensic experts, who were successful in detecting and lifting fingerprints, along with other forensic evidence.
None of the suspects could be identified by sight, but the forensic evidence was later processed and it resulted in two suspects being identified.
Detectives began to trace the men and the investigation revealed that they had been arrested on charges of attempted murder as well as robbery in the Weenen area. The men were then also charged for murder and brought before court.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bail was opposed and the accused remained in custody until they stood trial in the Ezakheni Regional Court on April 24, where they were convicted and sentenced.
Mshintshelwa Matshwele Zungu (27) and Solathini Little Zungu/Duma (24) were both sentenced to 15 years on a count of robbery with aggravated circumstances and 15 years on a count of murder. 10 years of each count is to run concurrently. They were also declared unfit to possess firearms.
The other suspects are still at large and investigation into their identity and whereabouts continues.
Warrant Officer DJ Ntuli of the Ezakheni Detective Service conducted the investigation.
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