DURBAN – On 31 March 2022, the Ezakheni Regional Court sentenced Bongani Buthelezi (25) to life imprisonment for murder plus 15 years for robbery. The second accused Simphiwe Carlos Mtshali (22) was sentenced to 22 years for murder and 12 years for robbery.

Their sentence came after the court heard how they brutally killed Mphumzeni Isaac Mbongwa who was 43 years old. Both accused were also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The sentences will not run concurrently.

On 29 June 2019 at 15:30, Mtshali was brought to Ekuvukeni SAPS by his grandmother after he shared information of how they killed a man with his co-accused. Police and the accused proceeded to the identified house in Ekuvukeni where the body of Mbongwa was found in a pool of blood. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the police investigation, it was established that the victim was also robbed of several appliances as well as a vehicle. The vehicle was later found set alight at Somsuku area in Ekuvukeni. The stolen property was recovered at Buthelezi's house. Both accused were placed under arrest on charges of murder and house robbery. They were tried in court and they made several court appearances before they were sentenced.

Source: South African Police Service