LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDERERS

 28 NOVEMBER 2025

LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDERERS

Three men, Sibongiseni Mtshali (54), Thuthukani Mbuyisa (45) and Nhlanhla Makhoba (34) were sentenced to a term of life imprisonment each by the Nquthu Regional Court for the murder they committed in May 2022 in the Luvisi area.

On the evening prior to the incident, Mtshali hosted a function at his home for his family and friends, where Mbuyisa and Makhoba were also in attendance. The deceased, Njabulo Khumalo (21) who was Mtshali’s family friend and neighbour, joined the function at some stage.

The festivities continued into the early hours of the next morning and at some stage an altercation broke out between Mtshali, Mbuyisa, Makhoba (the men) and Khumalo. They attacked Khumalo with an axe and a bush knife and stomped on his body and head. Eyewitnesses to the attack then intervened and moved Khumalo away from the men. Khumalo was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. The men were subsequently arrested.

In court, Prosecutor Bongisipho Smangaliso Msebe led the testimonies of the eyewitnesses as well as the police officials who attended the scene. The photo album of the crime scene and the weapons used in the attack also formed part of the state’s case. In a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Victoria Griffiths, Khumalo’s family members said that they relied on the court to bring them the justice they needed to find closure. Along with the life sentence, the men were declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The NPA hopes that sentences of this nature serve as a deterrent to like-minded individuals.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

071 6700 229