On 24 May 2018, the Durban Regional Court sentenced Michael Smangaliso Mayela (23), Nkosinathi Phendu Ngcobo (20) and Odwa Maningi Zida (21) to a total of effective 40 years each in jail for farm attack in Umhlali last month.
They were each sentenced to 25 years for murder, ten years each on two counts of robbery, five years for attempted murder and three years for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
It is alleged on 19 April 2018, a 70 year old, the owner of the house came home at 21:00 and his wife opened the gate. Three unknown suspects gained entry and forced the owner into the house and locked the house. They tied his hands and legs and threw him on the floor. They also tied his wife’s hands and gagged her mouth. They left her to die in the bedroom.
They then ransacked his entire house. At 05:00, the following morning, the owner managed to get up with his hands tied and screamed for help. The nearby labourer got assistance and an ex policeman broke open the door and untied the owner and rushed him to hospital.
There were items that were taken from the house. The 69 year old wife died at the scene.
Charges of house robbery, murder and attempted murder were opened for investigations at Umhlali SAPS. The docket was taken by the Provincial Task Team for further investigation. The team worked tirelessly and trace the accused in the Eastern Cape area earlier this month where they were hiding.
They were placed under arrest and the stolen property was also found in their possession.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
