The High Court in Scottburgh in KwaZulu-Natal province has sentenced Thulani “Ndende” Nlumayo to five life terms for killing five men in two taverns in the Mankuntshane and Lamont areas of Margita in 2028.
The 48-year-old man was also sentenced to fifteen years in prison for robbery, twelve years in prison for illegal possession of firearms, ten years in prison for two counts of attempted murder, and three years in prison for illegal possession of ammunition.
According to Constable Tenjiswa Ngcobo, on April 1, 2018, one victim was shot dead and two others sustained gunshot wounds when two men entered the tavern and started shooting.
The suspects then fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
On April 16, 2018, two men entered another tavern and shot four people, forcing them to lie on the floor. They were robbed before the suspects fled the scene.
Charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery have been registered at the Margit police station for investigation.
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An intensive investigation led to the arrest of two suspects.
Sanele Nlumayo, 20, pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to twelve years in prison in 2019 at Pietermaritzburg Magistrates’ Court.
The second defendant, Thulani “Ndende” Nhlumayo, was found guilty and sentenced on September 8, 2022.
Just last week, the police confiscated 22 illegal firearms from criminals in Gkeberh.
According to Colonel Priscilla Naidoo, on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers from the SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention Unit were patrolling St. Elizabeth Street in Trust. 28 when the suspect was observed acting suspiciously.
“Members conducted a search of the suspect resulting in the recovery of a firearm and seven rounds of ammunition. A 25-year-old suspect has been arrested on charges of possession of prohibited firearms and illegal possession of ammunition,” Naidu said.
In an unrelated incident on Monday, SAPS Gelvandale Crime Prevention members responded to shots fired at the corner of Martin and Cobus Road in Helenvale.
The 22-year-old suspect was seen running toward Sagard Street with a weapon in hand.
“While running, he threw the firearm into the bushes. He was detained, a pistol and four cartridges were confiscated. The suspect has been detained on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition,” said Naidu.
Also on Monday, officers from the SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention Unit were patrolling Jenniker Street in Arcadia when they spotted three men standing in front of a house.
“When the participants stopped their unmarked police car, they noticed that one of the men had a firearm in his hand. The men, realizing that it was the police, ran into the house and locked the door.”
He was detained and a 9 mm pistol with nine cartridges was confiscated.
The suspect was detained on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
All confiscated firearms will be sent for ballistics examination.
