Ladysmith robbery homicide ends with 2 men jailed for life
A bakery delivery van was targeted by robbers, who shot one of the occupants before stealing cellphones and cash.
Bahle Dlamini (33) and Siyabonga Dube (31) have been sentenced to life in prison by the Ezakheni Regional Court. They were found guilty of the murder of Sbonelo Xulu; robbery with aggravating circumstances; and two counts each relating to possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The case stems from an incident that took place in June 2023 in the Roosboom area near Ladysmith.
Xulu and another man were delivering bread to a supermarket in a bakery delivery van when they were confronted by Dlamini and Dube, who both had firearms.
Victim fatally shot
Xulu was shot and killed during the robbery.
The other person in the van was then forced to drive to another location, where the pair fled the scene.
The accused also stole cellphones and cash.
Accused arrested hours later
Police arrested Dlamini and Dube later the same day at a local taxi rank.
At the time of their arrest, police recovered the stolen items, as well as two unlicensed firearms and ammunition in their possession.
Evidence presented in court
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutor Sinethemba Hlongwane led the evidence of the complainant (man who was with Xulu), a Section 204 witness and police officers involved in recovering the firearms.
The evidence presented in court successfully linked the accused to the robbery, murder and firearm offences, resulting in their conviction on all charges.
Life imprisonment imposed
Following their conviction, the court sentenced both Dlamini and Dube to life imprisonment.
The court also declared both men unfit to possess firearms.
NPA welcomes sentence
The NPA welcomed the sentence, saying it demonstrates the consequences for those involved in violent crimes. The NPA said it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable.
The NPA expressed hope that the sentence would send a strong message that violent crimes will not be tolerated and that justice will continue to be pursued on behalf of victims and affected communities.
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp Channel. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
