DURBAN - THREE men from KwaZulu-Natal who went on a shooting spree in Pietermaritzburg and killed five people, were each recently sentenced to life terms of imprisonment by the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
Sipho Wiseman Shange Mchunu, 45, was handed down five life terms for the five murders and an additional 65 years, and both Sthembiso “Jesus” Zondi Mbambo, 28, and Sphesihle Gasa Ntombela, 28, were each sentenced to four life terms, and a further 73 years and 55 years respectively. The added years to their sentences were for attempted murder and robbery.
The sentences would run concurrently.
The three men were arrested and linked to five murders on August 24, 2019, in Plessislaer, near Pietermaritzburg.
They went on trial for the murder of Golden Shange, 60, Thabani Gumede, 29, Nobuhle Zondi, 29, Mzwakhe Mdlalose, 43, and Ayanda Zola Mzekandaba, 25.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said the suspects entered a business premises at Emgodini in the Plessislaer policing area.
“At gunpoint, they robbed the cashier before shooting her. It is alleged that they also shot two other patrons,” said Mbele.
She said the men continued their shooting spree when they went to a house next to the business premises. There, they shot and killed Mdlalose.
“While the men were fleeing, they shot at a taxi that was driving past. The driver managed to escape unscathed. The taxi was damaged behind the driver’s window.”
Mbele said the men went to another house at Esigodini. They entered the house and shot a couple. Mzekandaba was declared dead at the scene. Her boyfriend survived the shooting.
Charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery were opened for investigation at Plessislaer police station.
Mbele said dockets were transferred to the provincial Organised Crime Unit, which worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators were arrested.
The following day, the team arrested Mbambo in the Nqabeni area. During the arrest, he was found in possession of a pistol, with three rounds of ammunition. The pistol was positively linked to the crimes after ballistic testing.
Mchunu and Ntombela were also placed under arrest, and were also linked to the crimes. Mbele said the men were denied bail and remained in custody.
A few months ago, Police Minister Bheki Cele revealed that Plessislaer police station had the highest number of murder cases in the country.
He sent a task team and additional police to the area to reduce the crime rate.
Daily News