Former DA councillor at Okhahlamba Local Municipality, Michael Buthelezi, was handed down four life sentences in the Ladysmith Regional Court today (May 30).

He was convicted on four counts of murder, as well as other charges.

The victims were: 43-year-old Khombisile Gertrude Nyoka and three of his children (two-year-old Simbongile Khawulani Buthelezi, eight-year-old Zibusiso Zigizendoda Buthelezi and 10-year-old Lubanzi Buthelezi).

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Buthelezi was found guilty on all four counts and sentenced to life imprisonment for each murder.

He was also found guilty of arson. Buthelezi set Nyoka’s house (the crime scene) on fire, with the victims inside – some of whom were still alive at the time. The court handed down five years for arson.

Lastly, the court found Buthelezi guilty on two charges of defeating the ends of justice. He opened a false case regarding the incident, claiming he had been politically targeted and attacked. He was sentenced to five years for each count.

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