LIFE AND THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDERERS 

17 FEBRUARY 2026 

LIFE AND THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDERERS 

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has sentenced Bheki Gabriel Dube (28) and Sibonelo Bhongo Sibiya (27) to life imprisonment and three years’ imprisonment each following their conviction on charges of murder and malicious injury to property. In December 2024, the two men murdered Busani Khomo (58) in the Mpumalanga area of Hammarsdale. Khomo, a resident of Hammarsdale, was the acting principal at a local high school. 

Evidence presented in court revealed that, prior to the incident, Dube and Sibiya were hired by an individual with an interest in the acting principal position to kill Khomo. The accused were paid a sum of money to carry out the murder and armed themselves with firearms to execute the plan. 

On 05 December 2024, the accused lay in wait near the high school for Khomo. When he drove past, they opened fire on his motor vehicle, fatally wounding him. Khomo lost control of his vehicle and collided with a stationary vehicle. He died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds, and the accused fled the scene. They were arrested several months later, Dube at a relative’s residence and Sibiya while already in police custody on an unrelated matter. 

Representing the State, Advocate Mbongeni Chamane led the testimony of an eyewitness who informed the court that the accused had admitted to being paid to kill Khomo, although the identity of the person who commissioned the murder was not disclosed to the witness. The State also led evidence from the investigating officer and other police officials who attended the scene. 

In aggravation of sentence, the State submitted a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by a family member of the deceased and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Ntombi Khumalo. The statement described Khomo as a leader within his family and the broader community, highlighting his role as an educator and nation builder. The family further detailed the trauma caused by his murder. 

The court sentenced both accused to life imprisonment for murder and three years’ imprisonment for malicious injury to property. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment. Both accused were also declared unfit to possess a firearm. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) hopes that this sentence sends a clear message that crime will not be tolerated. This conviction underscores the NPA’s unwavering commitment to securing justice for victims of crime and their families. 

Issued by: 

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara 

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division 

Tel: 071 670 0229