The Ezekini Regional Court in South Africa has sentenced 23-year-old Senileso Tshabalala and 19-year-old Lungani Ngonya to life imprisonment for the murder of Sethambe Mabizela, as well as related offenses of robbery and kidnapping in Lady Smith in March 2023. Additional sentences are imposed.
The court heard how Mbizela and his friend Siabunga Mkhaza were attacked by four intruders at their rented house in Izakini on March 7. While Makhza managed to escape despite being stabbed, Mbizela was unable to escape and was later found dead by the police.
The swift operation that followed was spurred by Tshabalala's confession to his mother, who bravely handed him over to the police. His co-accused Ngwenya was arrested shortly after.
During sentencing, the prosecutor, Cwayita Ngcongo, delivered a moving statement from Mabizela's grandmother, highlighting the bright future Mabizela promised her family when she completed her education. Was close to doing it.
Both Tshabalala and Ngwenya were sentenced to life in prison for murder, 15 years for housebreaking and robbery, and five years for each kidnapping charge, all to run concurrently. Additionally, the court disqualified both men from possessing firearms.