Massacre killers get life: 14 men jailed to 1840 years

A gang of Kraaifontein men, who kidnapped and killed six men in a mob justice attack seven years ago, have been sentenced to more than a thousand years in jail.

On Wednesday, The Western Cape High Court sentenced the 14 killers who were convicted of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder and murder.

Tsepo Alfred Mathabela, Mncedisi Nditha, Ayanda Gwarubani, Montile Tyokwe, Ayanda Koni, Khaya Booi, Luvo Litha Maqolo, Khanyile Paul, Thandisiwe Manise, Lindani Cetywayo, Sibongile Paul, Lunga Zilwa, Siphiwo Zilwa and Fumanekela Paul were sentenced to a collective 1840 years in the mang.

The case dates back to December 2014 when six young men – Zola Gayiya, Emanuel Barnes, Sandile Ngxabela, Sakhele Ngxabela, Lulama Dunga and Mhlanganisi Mljanjeni – were kidnapped in Wallacedene.

The group accused the six of robbing and killing their friend, security guard Tsutsutsu Ntsundu, while on his way home from work. Ntsundu was targeted for his firearm.

The six victims were taken to a field on Joostenbergvlakte where they were stoned, stabbed and left for dead.

Their naked bodies were found with their hands and feet tied.

The accused, who included ringleader Bangikhaya Koni and Monwabisi Siyeko at the time, went on trial in February 2018.

Koni entered into a plea agreement with the state in November 2017 and was sentenced to six life terms for the murders and 30 years for the kidnappings. Siyeko was acquitted of all charges.

The rest were convicted on 25 March this year.

During arguments in mitigation and aggravation, senior state advocate John Reyneveld told the court that the murders were premeditated.

“These murders amounted to what is commonly known as a vigilante killing,” he says.

“The deceased were first tortured for hours before they were eventually loaded into a vehicle and driven to another scene where they were brutally stoned and stabbed to death.

“They were defenceless at the time of their deaths due to their legs and arms being tied behind their backs.

“They were then left naked like animals and were only discovered the following morning.”

Welcoming the sentence, Reyneveld said: “The families of the deceased are happy, it was a long journey.

“They are grateful for the bravery shown by the female witnesses in this matter.”

African News Agency

• Fourteen men convicted for 2014 Kraaifontein massacre

• Kraaifontein massacre kingpin gets life