They were found guilty in October for the crimes which were committed between 2014 and 2016. The NPA in KZN’s Natasha Kara says the murders related to a battle for control of the Umlazi hostel.
She says the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Thursday handed them a life term for each count of murder.
“The men; Bhekukwazi Mdweshu, Khayelihle Mbuthuma, Vukani Mcobothi, Eugene Hlophe, Mcomekile Ntshangase, Mbuyiselwa Mkhize, Mondli Mthethwa and Bongani Mbhele all lived at the hostel.
“Before the incidents, they conspired with each other to eliminate or kill residents of the hostel, who threatened their control of the hostel.
During the period of the offences, the following nine 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.
“The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter, and we trust that the sentences imposed will have a deterrent effect on like-minded individuals.”
The peace committee at Glebelands hostel fears that the eight men convicted of crimes by the Pietermaritzburg High Court yesterday will emerge soon to continue with what they were doing. Mbuyiseli Somaxama said he lives at the hostel and said the court’s judgment was disappointing.
“There are a lot of disappointing things about this case. Zinakile Fexi, who was the first person to die at Glebelands. No one is saying anything about him. Police went to fetch his body. In fact, he died in their hands. There are a lot of people that were not spoken of,” he said.
Somaxama said a lot of promises were made to the victims but none of them were kept. He said victims were promised by the government that they were going to receive counselling and food parcels but they never did.
“Nothing was done,” he said.
