MURDERERS GET DOUBLE LIFE SENTENCE

20 SEPTEMBER 2025

MURDERERS GET DOUBLE LIFE SENTENCE

The Ngwelezane Regional Court has sentenced Vumani China Nxumalo (36) and Mduduzi Zulu (34) to two terms of life imprisonment for the two murders they committed in January 2023 and January 2024 in the Empangeni Rail area. Zulu was sentenced to an additional six months' imprisonment for assault.

On 29 January 2023, the deceased, Njabulo Ndlovu (32) was with his friends at a tavern in the Empangeni Rail area. He remained outside the tavern while his friends went inside. At some point, Nxumalo, who was armed with a knife, approached him and an argument ensued. Zulu, also armed with a knife, joined them. A security guard on the premises tried to intervene to no avail. Ndlovu then ran away and both Nxumalo and Zulu chased him. Ndlovu’s friends tried looking for him, but they were unsuccessful, and they reported the matter to the police. Ndlovu’s body was found two days later in some bushes, he had sustained multiple injuries.

Then, on 16 January 2024, the deceased, Senzo Mwandla, was attacked by the accused whilst in his car, at a tavern in the Empangeni Rail area. Both men were armed with knives and Mwandla was stabbed several times. They also ransacked Mwandla’s car, taking his wallet and cellphone. Nxumalo and Zulu fled the scene but were arrested after police followed up on a tip-off. During their arrest, Zulu tried to stab one of the police officers, resulting in the assault charge. Mwandla’s items were found in their possession.

In court, Prosecutor Mpumelelo Mlambo led the evidence of a security guard who had seen the accused return to the tavern wearing blood-stained clothes, following their altercation with Ndlovu. Other witnesses who were present also testified for the state. Further, Mlambo handed in Victim Impact Statements (VIS), compiled by the complainants’ family members, and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Seneliso Sibanda. In their statement, the families mentioned how the crimes had affected their lives. Nxumalo and Zulu were sentenced to a term of life imprisonment for each of the two counts of murder, and Zulu was sentenced to a further six months' imprisonment for assaulting the police officer. They were also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the conviction and sentence. The NPA remains resolute in our pursuit of justice on behalf of the victims of crime and their families.

Issued by:

Natasha Ramkisson-Kara

NPA Regional Spokesperson

KZN Division

0716700229