35 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER

The Esikhaleni Regional Court has sentenced Mzikhona Mntu Mzimela (42) to an effective 35 years’ direct imprisonment following his conviction on one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder arising from a shooting incident committed in March 2025 in the Manzamnyama area near Mtunzini.

In imposing sentence, the court deviated from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment for murder after finding that Mzimela was a suitable candidate for rehabilitation. He was consequently sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for murder and 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the three counts of attempted murder. The court ordered that the sentences relating to two of the attempted murder convictions run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment.

Evidence before the court revealed that on the evening of 02 March 2025, a traditional function was being held at a local homestead where two groups of regiments (Amabutho) from the area had gathered. An altercation broke out between one of Mzimela’s relatives, who belonged to one of the regiments, and a member of the other regiment.

Although the dispute had been resolved, Mzimela produced a firearm and attempted to shoot at some of the attendees. The firearm initially jammed, but after cocking it again, he fired a shot that struck Vusumuzi Mthethwa, the deceased, in the chest. Mzimela subsequently shot and injured three other men, namely Lindani Khoza, Celimpilo Mthethwa, and Sindisani Gumede.

The injured victims were rushed to a local clinic for medical treatment, where Vusumuzi Mthethwa succumbed to his injuries. The incident was reported to the police, and Mzimela later handed himself over to the Mtunzini SAPS.

During the trial, Prosecutor Philani Clarence Mdletshe presented the evidence of the complainants, as well as the post-mortem report, J88 medical report, and photographic evidence from the crime scene.

The State also handed in a Victim Impact Statement compiled by a relative of the deceased and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Ntombi Goodness Chonco. In the statement, the family described the significant emotional trauma and financial hardship they have endured since the loss of their loved one.

In addition to the effective 35-year prison sentence, the court declared Mzimela unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence and commends all role players involved in securing the conviction. This outcome demonstrates the criminal justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable and delivering justice for victims and their families.

The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime face the full consequences of their actions. We trust that this sentence sends a clear message that violent crimes of this nature will not be tolerated and that justice will continue to be pursued relentlessly on behalf of victims and affected communities.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KwaZulu-Natal Division