On Tuesday, 11 December 2018, the Durban Regional Court sentenced Mawethu Maquthu (31) to 15 years for murder, five years on two counts of attempted murder, five years for possession of ammunition, five years for possession of unlicensed firearm and 12 months for possession of a stolen property.
The count of murder and attempted murder will run concurrently. His co accused Sthembiso Mbanjwa (43) was sentenced to five years imprisonment for attempted murder. They were also declared unfit to possess firearms.
Their sentence follows an exhaustive trial where the court heard how they killed and maimed residents at the Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi during June 2017. It is alleged on 4 June 2017 at 01:00, Msizi Makhoba (25), was at the hostel when he was shot and killed by a man who accused him of making a noise by hooting.
He sustained a gunshot wound to the head and he later died in died in hospital. His 27 year old friend was also shot on his leg during the shooting.
Maquthu was also linked to another case of attempted murder he committed with his co accused Mbanjwa at Glebelands Hostel on 9 June 2017. It is alleged that at 19:40, the victim was allegedly shot and wounded while at the hostel. During Maquthu’s arrest he was found in possession of a stolen vehicle.
The vehicle was stolen in the Umbilo area on 23 April 2017. He was also found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
