Eight people convicted in connection with the killing of nine residents of the Glebelands hostel and the wounding of seven others have been handed down several sentences, including life in prison.
‘Glebelands 8’
The hitman was found guilty in October last year, on various counts of – among others – murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder – for offenses that took place in a notorious hostel in Umlazi, southwest of Durban, between August 2014 and March 2016.
This follows a lengthy trial that began in 2018.
Also read: Eight men convicted of Glebelands murder
The convicts are former Durban Central detective Bhekuzunzi Mdweshu – the alleged leader of the group – Khayelihle Mbuthuma, Vukani Mcobothi, Eugene Hlophe, Mcomekile Ntshangase, Mbemwesila Mkhize, Mondli Mthethwa and Bongani Mbhele.
The men, who all lived in the Glebelands dormitory, conspired to eliminate or kill the dormitory residents who threatened their control of the building.
The act claimed the lives of Siniko Ncayiyane, Thulani Kati, Sipho Ndovela, Themba Pina, Nkosinathi Ndovela, William Mthembu, Thokozani Machi, Mzwandile Gawuza and Lucky Mtwa.
Seven others were wounded, leading to charges of attempted murder.
Sentence
Pietermaritzburg High Court judge Nkosinathi Chili on Thursday sentenced the eight men.
In their sentence, Judge Chili imposed a life sentence for each count of murder, and where there is more than one count, the sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
Regarding the attempted murder charge, the judge found that the men had been awaiting trial for more than five years.
“Therefore, the court imposed a sentence of 10 years in prison, where five years were suspended for a period of five years,” said NPA’s Natasha Ramkisson-Kara spokesperson.
The sentences are as follows:
- Mdweshu was convicted of conspiracy to murder and four counts of attempted murder and sentenced to an effective 10 years in prison.
- Mbuthuma was convicted of three counts of murder and sentenced to an effective life sentence.
- Hlophe and Ntshangase, who were convicted of four counts of attempted murder each, were sentenced to effective five years in prison each.
- Mkhize was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
- Mthethwa was convicted of two counts of attempted murder, two counts of murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and faces a life sentence.
- Mbhele was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
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