A former Eastern Cape ANC ward councilor has been sentenced to two life terms for killing a political rival.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, Lucky Bethwell Mbuzi, aged 47, appeared at the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Mbizana on Monday.
Sentence
The accused were sentenced to an additional 21 years, to run concurrently with one life sentence, for charges related to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
“Mbuzi did not want to oppose any political aspirations, and the deceased were active members of the ANC in their respective communities and had political ambitions.
“They made several threats to the lives of two members, to prevent them from participating in the upcoming political elections that seek to remove or replace them from their political positions as councilors,” Tyali said.
Murder
According to the NPA, on the evening of March 10, 2021, Hleliphi Mashusha Thotshe was shot and killed in his home in Mbangweni village, in the KwaJali region of Mbizana district.
On the night of April 16, 2021, Mduduzi Madikizela was attacked by two men at his home in Tshamathe village, also in KwaJali region.
READ MORE: Siyabuswa council member, co-accused sentenced to 15 years for each murder
Investigation
A police investigation led to the arrest of Mbuzi, along with two young men aged 23 and 29.
“The firearm used to commit the two murders was recovered from Mbuzi and linked to the crime. During the trial, Mbuzi pleaded not guilty, but two of his friends, who were later acquitted by the court, testified that he was forced to kill his rival.
Meanwhile, provincial Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Barry Madolo has commended senior state advocate Mduduzi Mzila, and the investigating officer, for ensuring that Mbuzi is punished for his crimes.
“Politically motivated killings are a threat to democracy, so bringing the perpetrators to book strengthens free and fair political activity, allowing communities to vote for candidates of their choice,” said Mzila.
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