LIFE AND 45 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER AND ROBBERY

03 SEPTEMBER 2025

LIFE AND 45 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER AND ROBBERY

The Dundee Regional Court sentenced Mpilwenhle Dladla to life and 45 years imprisonment for murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm. He committed these offences in Malonjeni, Dundee between March 2019 and December 2020.

In March 2019, Dladla and an accomplice hitchhiked a lift from the complainant in the Dundee area. At some point in their journey, Dladla used a gas gun to threaten the complainant and dispossess him of his motor vehicle.

Then, in December 2020, Dladla, again armed with a gas gun, approached a police officer whilst he (the police officer) was entering his residence. Dladla robbed him of his service pistol and made off with it. A few minutes later, the officer heard gunshots coming down the street. Upon investigation, he found a person lying down with a gunshot wound to the chest (Dladla had shot him and taken his motor vehicle).

The police officer immediately reported the incident to the Dundee SAPS, and two police officers responded. They were further given a description of the deceased’s motor vehicle. The police officers located the motor vehicle and tried to stop Dladla, but a chase ensued. Dladla eventually stopped the vehicle after a tyre burst. He alighted from the vehicle and started shooting at the police officers. They retaliated and shot Dladla in the arm; however, he managed to flee the scene. Dladla was arrested the following day after a farmer saw him on his farm and alerted the police. The police officer’s service pistol was recovered from him.

In Court, Prosecutor Sibonelo Mncadi led the complainants' evidence, and the police officers who attended to the matter. Dladla was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years imprisonment for each of the three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, eight years imprisonment for attempted murder and seven years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA hopes that this sentence clarifies our stance that crime will not be tolerated. We commend the prosecution team and law enforcement for their relentless pursuit of justice.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

 0716700229