Durban - Justice was served for the victims of eight men who terrorised the residents of Glebelands hostel in Umlazi in Durban after they were convicted in the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
The eight men committed several crimes including murder and attempted murder at the Glebelands hostel in uMlazi in Durban over a period of one and a half years.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court convicted Bhekukwazi Mdweshu, Khayelihle Mbuthuma, Vukani Mcobothi, Eugene Hlophe, Mcomekile Ntshangase, Mbuyiselwa Mkhize, Mondli Mthethwa and Bongani Mbhele for several offences.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the accused were convicted for:
- Mdweshu was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and four counts of attempted murder.
- Mbuthuma was convicted of three counts of murder.
- Mcobothi was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, four counts of attempted murder and three counts of murder.
- Hlophe was convicted of four counts of attempted murder.
- Ntshangase was convicted of four counts of attempted murder.
- Mkhize was convicted of two counts of murder.
- Mthethwa was convicted of two counts of attempted murder, two counts of murder, unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.
- Mbhele was convicted of two counts of murder.
Ramkisson-Kara said all the accused lived at the hostel.
“Before the incidents, the men conspired with each other to eliminate or kill residents of the hostel, who threatened their control of the hostel,” she said.
She said between August 2014 and March 2016 the following people were killed – Siniko Ncayiyane, Thulani Kati, Sipho Ndovela, Themba Pina, Nkosinathi Ndovela, William Mthembu, Thokozani Machi, Mzwandile Gawuza and Lucky Mtwa.
“Seven others were injured, resulting in the attempted murder charges,” Ramkisson-Kara added.