The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has welcomed the life sentences handed to 16 individuals for the murder of four people in a mob justice attack in Ndindwa Village, Debe Nek.
The incident occurred on 31 December 2022. According to police, community members held a meeting and resolved to target people they suspected of stealing electricity cables and terrorising residents. Four individuals were identified, forcibly taken from their homes, assaulted, and tied up. They were then brought to the centre of the village and burned alive.
A nine-year-old child witnessed the killing of her mother during the attack.
The victims were identified as Vuyo Lamani (40), Lwando Makinana (30), Nwabisa Melani (29), and Ziphozihle Timba (37).
Members of the Chungwa SAPS attended the scene and initiated an investigation. The case was transferred to the Bhisho High Court on 11 March 2024.
Following an investigation by SAPS detectives, 16 suspects were arrested, charged, and convicted.
The Bhisho High Court sentenced each of the accused as follows:
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Counts 1 to 4 (Murder): Life imprisonment for each murder charge.
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Counts 5 to 8 (Kidnapping): Eight years’ imprisonment for each kidnapping charge.
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Count 9 (Public Violence): Three years’ imprisonment.
All accused received the same sentences, which will run concurrently.
The following individuals were sentenced:
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Dumisani Mpofana (38)
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Mluleki Xulu (48)
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Neliso Nkohla (31)
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Zwelandile Kitise (53)
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Nombulelo Bukani Kitise (41)
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Unathi Khakhalala (28)
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Bantu Marala (36)
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Lindi Mbintashe (37)
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Mfuniseli Mbintashe (65)
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Mvelisi Xulu (45)
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Nkosinathi Dyantyi (73)
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Yanginkosi Solani (41)
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Nombuzo Binyashe (57)
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Lungisa Mathana (39)
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Zandisile Kitisa (71)
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Thobani Vena (38)