Three suspects will spend the next 15 years behind bars for a murder that was committed in 2013.
The victim, 27-year-old Tholokuhle Sifiso Mhlongo, left his home in the Mjindini area of Umhlumayo, Ezakheni, on the evening of March 9, 2013, to visit his girlfriend.
As he was walking in the direction of her house, he was confronted by three unknown men. The men accused him of being a foreign national, resulting in an altercation.
The three men savagely assaulted Mhlongo and left him for dead.
Little did they realise that the vicious attack had been witnessed.
Medical assistance was sought and the unconscious man was hospitalised. His injuries proved severe and he passed away in hospital two days later.
He never regained consciousness.
A murder case was opened at Ezakheni police station and Sergeant Nokosi Philani Masimango was tasked with the investigation. He interviewed witnesses in the vicinity of the crime scene, resulting in the arrest of the three suspects.
Kwazi Mthandeni Maphanga (19), Dingane Sbongiseni Sithole (23) and Xolani Eustance Mabaso (37) were charged for murder. They appeared several times in the Ladysmith Regional Court until the case was finalised on Thursday, June 7 this year.
The accused were each sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment. They were all found unfit to possess firearms.
The investigating officer has been commended for his perseverance during the investigation.
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