Four Men Sentenced to Two Life Terms Each for KwaDukuza Double Murder
The victims were ambushed in broad daylight at a KwaDukuza sports ground. More than five years later, justice has been delivered as four men have been handed multiple life sentences for the brutal killing of two young men in KwaZulu Natal.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court sentenced Skhumbuzo Nxumalo (33), Mzwanele Radebe (42), Bhekezakhe Yimba (38) and Skhumbuzo Mathenjwa (41) to two life terms each for the murders of Njabulo Cele (24) and Francis Kuhumi (17), who were gunned down at the Lindelani Sports Ground in KwaDukuza on 10 August 2020.
The court also sentenced the four men to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm and a further 15 years for possession of unlicensed ammunition.
According to the KwaZulu Natal South African Police Service (SAPS), the attack unfolded when Cele and Kuhumi were inside a vehicle at the sports ground. Four armed men approached them and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Both victims were declared dead at the scene.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, spokesperson for the KZN SAPS, said a double murder case was immediately registered at KwaDukuza Police Station and a detailed investigation was launched.
“Investigations led to the arrest of Skhumbuzo Nxumalo, Mzwanele Radebe, Bhekezakhe Yimba and Skhumbuzo Mathenjwa. The four suspects were charged with double murder as well as possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” Magwaza said.
Following an intensive trial at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, the four accused were found guilty on both murder charges as well as the firearm and ammunition offences.
Magwaza said the sentences reflected the seriousness of the crimes committed.
“Skhumbuzo Nxumalo, Mzwanele Radebe, Bhekezakhe Yimba and Skhumbuzo Mathenjwa were sentenced to two life terms each for both counts of murder, 15 years for possession of unlicensed firearms and a further 15 years for possession of unlicensed ammunition,” he said.
The convictions bring an end to a lengthy legal process that began after the violent attack claimed the lives of two young men at a community sports facility.
The SAPS welcomed the outcome, saying the successful investigation and prosecution demonstrated the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable.
