On 13 July 2017, three accused, Sabelo Zulu (22), Nana Madikane (44) and Thandiwe Cele (54) were sentenced by Mthunzini High Court for the farm attack they committed at Nyoni area near Mandeni in 2015.
Sabelo Zulu was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, twelve years for attempted murder and fifteen years for robbery.
Nana Madikane was given six years for robbery and Thandiwe Cele received four years for robbery as well. Nana Madikane and Thandiwe Cele arranged to the robbery at the farm.
The fourth suspect, Sandile Mjadu (30), was later shot and killed at KwaMbonambi area by police when he allegedly shot at members who were looking for him for other crimes as well. Sandile was found in possession of a rifle suspected to be the one that was taken during the farm attack.
On 2 June 2015 at 19:00 the victims, Peter Johnson (56) and his brother, were in their farm house at Nyoni area when they were approached by three men who were armed with firearms. They allegedly shot and killed Peter Johnson and his brother was wounded at taken to hospital for treatment.
During the attack, one suspect, Sabelo Zulu, was shot and wounded, and was taken to hospital under police guard. The other two suspects took two rifles and a pistol before they fled the scene. A case of murder, attempted murder and robbery was opened at Nyoni police station for further investigation.
Ilembe Cluster Task Team led by Lt Colonel Colette Bruwer took over the docket and through intensive investigation, using their skills and experience; the two woman were arrested and linked to the robbery. It appeared that they organised the robbery by colluding with three men.
KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa welcomed the sentence handed down to the accused. “The case is not finalised as the other two suspects are still at large. We will not rest until all involved suspects are arrested and prosecuted. We cannot allow innocent people to be attacked and killed by these criminals. We will ensure that farming community as well as farm dwellers are always protected as we are conducting regular patrols in their areas. Community members must stand up and give information about criminals who are in possession of illegal firearms that are commonly used in faction fights, farm attacks, taxi and stock theft related cases,” he said.
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