On March 7, Lunga William Zulu appeared before Judge Tati Makgoka, at the Middelburg Circuit of the Pretoria High Court.
Zulu was arrested after police launched an intensive investigation following the recovery of a half naked body in Thubelihle, just outside Ga-Nala.
The body of 35-year-old Landy Lindiwe Ntuli was discovered on Saturday March 3, 2012, near a dumpsite when children who were playing in the area, came upon it.
Ntuli sustained multiple bruises to her face and body and the cause of death is currently unknown, as a case of murder is under investigation by the police.
Further investigation by police uncovered that Ntuli was with Zulu and four other men, when she asked them to take her to town to withdraw money. On their way back, they stopped the vehicle in the bushes just outside of Ga-Nala.
The five men, including Zulu then took turns in raping Ntuli, they then robbed her of the money she had withdrawn and severely assaulted her, crushing her head with a rock.
Her body was recovered the following day when children playing at the dumping site, noticed her corpse. They then alerted the adults in the area and the police were notified.
Five suspects including Zulu were arrested shortly after the incident, however four were acquitted during the course of the case. Zulu was positively linked through a DNA test.
Zulu was further connected with the death of Nhlanhla Khoza, whose half naked body was also found dumped on April 25, 2011 in the same area where Ntuli was found. Khoza had also suffered from severe injuries and was sixteen weeks pregnant at the time of death. The High Court heard that Khoza was on her way home from a local tavern when she met Zulu.
Judge Makgoka was convinced that the accused had intentionally raped, robbed and brutally killed both Khoza and Ntuli.
Without hesitation the judge sentenced Zulu to two life sentences for the murder and rape of Ntuli. Zulu was further sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for the murder of Khoza.
The 15-year sentence will run concurrently with the two life sentences imposed on Zulu.
“We welcome the sentence which will serve as the last chapter for the freedom of the suspect. Other potential criminals should learn from Zulu that crime does not pay,” said Lt Gen Thulani Ntobela, Provincial Commissioner.
On the same breath, the General congratulated the members of the police and justice departments for working tirelessly, securing a conviction. He said their hard work has reaped good results.
Cst Sanyana Mtsweni, the investigation officer that assisted with the case, was unavailable for comment due to his visit to Sudan.
