SIBLINGS SENTENCED TO LIFE PLUS 18 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLENT CRIMES

12 September 2025

SIBLINGS SENTENCED TO LIFE PLUS 18 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLENT CRIMES

Carolina, Mpumalanga – The Carolina Regional Court has sentenced siblings Gima (35) and Bhutini Mavimbela (31) to life imprisonment plus an additional 18 years each for the brutal murder of Muzi Mzimela. They were convicted on multiple charges, including murder, two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and attempted murder. The crimes occurred on 04 September 2022 at Badplaas, during a traditional ceremony hosted by the deceased.

An altercation broke out after a drink belonging to Bhutini was accidentally spilt. The accused reacted violently, stabbing Mzimela multiple times. They also attacked two other attendees with knives and bottles, leaving one victim with facial injuries. Police were called to the scene, and both accused were arrested and later denied bail.

In court, the accused pleaded not guilty, claiming self-defence. However, State Prosecutor Makhosonke Mashinini led compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimony, J88 medical reports of the injured survivors, and a post-mortem report confirming that Mzimela died from multiple stab wounds. The court found the state’s case credible and convicted the accused as charged. In aggravation of sentence, Mashinini presented Victim Impact Statements (VIS) highlighting the severe physical and psychological trauma endured by the survivors. He emphasised the accused’s lack of remorse and the fact that the deceased was murdered in the safety of his own home, while others were injured without provocation. He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence. The court found no compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum. Each accused was sentenced as follows: Life imprisonment for murder,4 years’ imprisonment on each count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and 10 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder. The sentences on the lesser counts will run concurrently with the life sentence. Both were also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this outcome, which ensures justice for the victim’s family and reaffirms the message that violent offenders will be held accountable. This conviction and sentence demonstrate the effectiveness of law enforcement collaboration and the NPA’s commitment to prosecuting violent crime. Ends.

Issued by:

Monica Nyuswa

Regional Spokesperson 

NPA Mpumalanga

Tel: 013 045 0625 / 076 485 5446

Email: mnyuswa@npa.gov.za