MTUNZINI High Court this week convicted and sentenced a murderer to life imprisonment plus 30 years for three murders in Mbongolwane, outside eShowe.
Sphamandla Gumede was found guilty on three counts of murder and assault common.
ALSO READ: Life in prison for man who repeatedly raped girl (8)
The court heard how, on 16 December 2018, Gumede was drinking with Edwin Zungu and Simo Luthuli, when an argument ensued.
Gumede then drew his firearm and shot Zungu and Luthuli.
Both men died at the scene, while Gumede fled and disappeared. Two murder cases were registered at eShowe SAPS for investigation.
The court also heard that on 9 February 2024, Gumede attacked security guard, Bongani Mhlongo, who was working at Mafunda High School in the Mbongolwane area.
Mhlongo died at the scene, and the suspect fled in a white vehicle.
Mbongolwane police were alerted and reacted to the information, and a chase ensued. The vehicle was found on the N2 heading towards Mandeni, and Gumede was arrested.
The murder docket was assigned to Detective Sergeant SSD Ndlovu from Mbongolwane SAPS who gathered overwhelming evidence, linking Gumede to the eShowe double murder.
Both dockets from eShowe SAPS, and from Mbongolwane were collaborated for further investigation by Ndlovu.
Gumede was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for each case of murder of Zungu and Luthuli, and 30 days for common assault.
He was further sentenced to life for the murder of Mhlongo. The court ordered that all sentences will run concurrently.
Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
TikTok – @zululand_observer
