Man convicted for murder in Mtunzini

Man convicted of shooting incident that occurred in March 2025 in the Manzamnyama area near Mtunzini

1 hour ago

Mbuso Kunene 2 minutes read

The eSikhawini Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Mzikhona Mntu Mzimela (42) to an effective 35 years’ direct imprisonment for one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

The conviction is in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in March 2025 in the Manzamnyama area near Mtunzini.

Imposing the verdict, the court deviated from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment for murder after finding that Mzimela was a suitable candidate for rehabilitation.

KZN National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said Mzimela was consequently sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for murder and 10 years on each of the three counts of attempted murder.

“The court ordered that the sentences relating to two of the attempted murder convictions run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The crime

Evidence before the court revealed that on the evening of 2 March 2025, a traditional function was being held at a local homestead where two groups of regiments (amabutho) from the area had gathered. An altercation broke out between one of Mzimela’s relatives, who belonged to one of the regiments, and a member of the other regiment.

“Although the dispute had been resolved, Mzimela produced a firearm and attempted to shoot at some of the attendees. The firearm initially jammed, but after cocking it again, he fired a shot that struck Vusumuzi Mthethwa, the deceased, in the chest.

Mzimela subsequently shot and wounded three other men, namely Lindani Khoza, Celimpilo Mthethwa and Sindisani Gumede,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

The incident was reported to the police, and Mzimela later handed himself over to the Mtunzini SAPS. During the trial, Prosecutor Philani Clarence Mdletshe presented the evidence of the complainants, as well as the post-mortem report, J88 medical report, and photographic evidence from the crime scene.

The State also handed in a victim impact statement compiled by a relative of the deceased, in which the family described the significant emotional trauma and financial hardship they have endured.

“The NPA welcomes the sentence and commends all role players involved in securing the conviction. This outcome demonstrates the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable and delivering justice for victims and their families.”

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: