HEFTY SENTENCES FOR MURDERERS
10 JUNE 2025
HEFTY SENTENCES FOR MURDERERS
The Durban High Court has sentenced Siyabonga Ngubane to life imprisonment, and Sthembiso Khomo to 20 years imprisonment for the murder of Smanga Vusumuzi Khumalo in March 2024 in Umlazi, Q Section. Ngubane, who was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition, was sentenced to an additional 18 years ' imprisonment.
Before the incident, the men conspired to kill Khumalo, who had suffered a spinal injury in a previous attack and was wheelchair bound. On 28 March 2024, Khomo drove Ngubane to Umlazi, where Ngubane shot and killed Khumalo. Khomo then drove Ngubane away from the scene. Khumalo died on the scene, with the cause of death being multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
Following the incident, community members mobilised others to assist in finding Ngubane and Khomo. The police were also alerted, and the accused were arrested shortly after. In the state’s case, Adv. Bonginkosi Mbokazi led ballistic evidence as well as cellphone evidence, which placed the men at the scene of the crime. The SAPS officials who attended the scene also testified on behalf of the state.
In addition to the evidence, Adv. Mbokazi handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by Khumalo’s mother and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Thandeka Nadi Mofokeng. In her statement, the woman said that her son was the breadwinner of their home and that everybody relied on him. She spoke about the initial incident where Khumalo was robbed. She said that the attack had severely damaged his spinal cord, thus rendering him wheelchair bound. She said that the men have caused irreparable harm to her family.
Ngubane was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and three years imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in the effective sentence of life imprisonment. In sentencing Khomo, the court deviated from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment, sentencing him to 20 years' direct imprisonment. In doing so, the court found that while Khomo played a role in the murder, he played a lesser role than Ngubane. Both men were declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The NPA remains steadfast in our commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue justice without fear or favour. We will safeguard the rights and dignity of all members of society, and we hope this outcome brings some comfort and closure to the family of the victim.
Issued by:
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara
NPA Regional Spokesperson
KZN Division
0716700229