Gatecrasher Sentenced For The Murder Committed At A Birthday Celebration
The Roodepoort Magistrates' Court sentenced Mlindeli Moyo, to 18 years imprisonment for a premeditated murder he committed at a party in Dobsonville, Soweto during September 2020. Mduduzi Vundla hosted friends and family for his birthday celebration when Moyo arrived uninvited. He was angry that he was not invited and started being aggressive towards the guests. He then kicked the music system and thereafter stood at the gate, blocking entry and demanding payment for entry from some of the guests.
The guests pushed their way into the yard and that's when Moyo pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased, Mlondolozi Dube. He ran away from the scene to fetch a panga and returned but was overpowered and arrested by the community before he could do further harm.
State prosecutor, Kelebogile Sibi pleaded with the court to impose a sentence that signals the court's disdain of people that undermine the rule of law, and with total disregard for the right to life. "The accused was an uninvited guest, went as far as killing an unarmed and innocent patron who was there for a celebration. His actions displayed total disrespect, not only for the host and his guests but to the rule of law".
Magistrate Africa found that though the accused planned the offence of murder and was the aggressor throughout the day in question, there were compelling and substantial circumstances warranting a deviation from the minimum prescribed sentence of life imprisonment for premeditated murder, namely, the accused was a first offender and the disproportionality to the crime, the criminal and the legitimate needs of society were also considered.
Issued by: Phindi Mjonondwane
Regional spokesperson- Gauteng Local Division
0626906505/0112204245