GQEBERHA MAN SENTENCED TO EFFECTIVE 30 YEARS FOR MURDER OF BROTHERS
21 July 2025
GQEBERHA MAN SENTENCED TO EFFECTIVE 30 YEARS FOR MURDER OF BROTHERS
The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha, has sentenced Luthando Bafani (35) to an effective 30 years’ imprisonment for the murders of brothers Bagcinile and Siyabonga Sitho, committed during a violent incident at a house party in KwaZakhele on 19 July 2022. Bafani was also convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The party was held at the Sitho brothers’ home, with guests including Onwabo Dinge and Phumza Makana. After consuming alcohol, Makana fell asleep in a bedroom. Her sister, Niniwe Dinge, and niece, Vuyolwethu Dinge, arrived following a call alleging Makana was being raped. Initially denied entry to the room, a confrontation ensued before Niniwe was allowed inside. She urged Makana to leave, but when Makana refused, Niniwe slapped her. As they left, Niniwe warned those inside that they would regret the incident.
Shortly after, Bafani, who was romantically involved with Vuyolwethu, arrived looking for Makana. When she refused to leave with him, Bafani stole two cellphones from a bedside table. Siyabonga intervened but was threatened and assaulted by Bafani, who then drew a .357 calibre firearm. Bafani shot Bagcinile Sitho at close range in the kitchen, exited the house, circled it, and re-entered through the front door, firing multiple shots that killed Siyabonga in the lounge.
Both brothers died at the scene. Post-mortems confirmed Bagcinile died from a single gunshot to the head, and Siyabonga from multiple gunshot wounds. When he was arrested on 22 July 2022 at Livingstone Hospital, Bafani attempted to conceal his identity by giving a false name. Senior State Advocate Ahmed Rafick presented compelling evidence outlining the sequence of events that led to the murders of the brothers. The State’s case included eyewitness testimony from party attendees who described the confrontation sparked by allegations of sexual assault, Bafani’s aggressive behaviour, and the theft of cellphones. Forensic evidence linked the firearm used to the fatal shootings, supported by postmortem reports confirming the cause of death. Police testimony detailed the accused’s arrest and his attempt to conceal his identity. The court convicted him on 16 July 2025.
Arguing for an appropriate sentence, Adv. Rafick emphasised the brutal and senseless nature of the crimes, highlighting the deep trauma inflicted on the victims’ families and the wider community’s need for safety from violent crime involving illegal firearms. Bafani received 20 years each for the murders, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, seven years for unlawful firearm possession, and five years for unlawful possession of ammunition. The sentences for robbery, firearm and ammunition possession, and part of the second murder count will run concurrently with the first murder count, resulting in an effective 30-year imprisonment.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Barry Madolo, commended the prosecution and SAPS teams, stating, “This sentence reflects our commitment to justice and holding violent criminals accountable. Our communities deserve to feel safe, especially in the sanctuary of their homes.”
Issued by:
Luxolo Tyali
Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division
National Prosecuting Authority
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