Bonokwakhe Mbhele and Lungelo Madonsela were found guilty of the murders of three men in the KwaMgayi area of Pennington in 2022, and both were handed life sentences.

They appeared in the Scottburgh Regional Court recently, where they were effectively sentenced for the July 17, 2022 incident.

According to reports and findings, the deceased, all adult males from the same family, were at home with their families performing a traditional cleansing ritual after a funeral held the previous day.

At the time, about 50 people, including relatives and neighbours, were gathered in the yard. A group of about 10 men, including Mbhele and Madonsela, arrived in a minibus and approached the home. They were armed with firearms and opened fire on everyone in the yard, which resulted in the three fatalities.

The accused fled the scene on foot, leaving the minibus behind, and it was reported to police.

Investigations led to the arrest of the accused a few months later.

Advocates Zukiswa Dyasi and Lungile Zondi represented the State. The prosecution presented evidence from eyewitnesses who knew the accused, as well as cellphone evidence that placed them at the scene of the crime.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has since welcomed the sentences.

“In aggravation of the sentence, the prosecution led the evidence of the investigating officer, who testified that the KwaMgayi community was appalled by the incident and had shown a keen interest in the outcome of the case,” said Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, NPA regional spokesperson.

“The appropriate sentence would also serve as a deterrent to like-minded offenders.”

Together with their sentences, Mbhele and Madonsela were also declared unfit to possess firearms.

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