Update: Gun battle near Harding – one man sentenced to lengthy jail term
On suspect has pleaded guilty.
UPDATE: April 13
ONE of the three men involved in the deadly shooting spree in Kwa Jali, near Harding on March 4 has been sentenced.
Thabani Cosmos Jali (32) pleaded guilty and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment at the Pietermaritzburg High Court for the murder of Thembinkosi Lennox Jali (56).
Lungisane Mpama (27) and Mpendulo Ndadane (35), who were also arrested for the shooting, appeared in court last Monday and the case was postponed for a formal bail application.
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ORIGINAL STORY: March 15
A DEADLY shooting spree rocked a small area inland from Harding last Saturday.
Two people were killed and three wounded.
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Police spokesman Captain Gerald Mfeka said a man arrived at a house in the Kwa Jali area and asked to speak to the owner, Thembinkosi Lennox Jali (56).
The man told Mr Jali to come outside, but he refused.
“The man left and returned later with two other men, who were carrying firearms. Mr Jali tried to flee, but was gunned down,” said Captain Mfeka.
Community members then chased the gunmen towards Nkungwini ward and the gunmen opened fire again, fatally injuring Bhekithemba Gwija (33) and wounding his son, Zwe. The chase and shooting continued, with another two people being injured.
The angry chasers eventually caught one of the men who was assaulted before police arrived.
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“He was taken to St Andrews Hospital,” said Captain Mfeka.
A second suspect was arrested by Harding police and a firearm with six rounds of ammunition was recovered. It was later established that the firearm had been stolen at Ntuzuma in Durban.
A third suspect was arrested on Sunday and a 9mm pistol recovered.
The suspects appeared in the Harding court on Tuesday this week and the case was postponed for a formal bail application.
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