Elderly couple murdered: Escapee arrested, handed life sentences, Empangeni

South African Police Service

Elderly couple murdered: Escapee arrested, handed life sentences, Empangeni
Elderly couple murdered: Escapee arrested, handed life sentences, Empangeni

On 12 February 2020, the Mtunzini High Court found Thanda Zulu (38) guilty for the murder of an elderly couple at the Empangeni taxi rank.

Marble Shange (67) and her husband Nhlanhla Edward Shange (69) were at the Empangeni Taxi Rank on 31 May 2014 when they were fatally shot by the suspects who fled the scene in their gateway vehicle.

Empangeni Police were alerted and given a description of the suspect’s vehicle. They proceeded on the R34 towards Eshowe and intercepted the motor vehicle with four occupants in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

All four suspects were charged for two counts of murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as robbery with aggravating circumstances.

On 31 May 2017, Zulu escaped from lawful custody and his two friends Njabulo Buthelezi (34) and Sibonelo Xulu (35) were found guilty by the Mtunzini High Court and were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders.

On 11 November 2017 police re-arrested Zulu. He made several appearances at the Mtunzini High Court until he was convicted and sentenced on 12 February 2020 to two terms of life imprisonment for two counts of murder and fifteen years for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula praised the investigative team for the successful prosecution in court.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service