NPA welcomes the sentencing of 16 people convicted of murder
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentences imposed by the Bhisho High Court in a matter relating to the vigilante killing of four people at Debenek in the Eastern Cape.
At least 16 people were each convicted and sentenced in the court for:
- Four counts of murder: life imprisonment.
- Four counts of kidnapping: eight years’ imprisonment.
- Public violence: three years’ imprisonment.
According to the NPA, the offences occurred in December 2022 when members of the community held a meeting and “resolved that individuals suspected of cable theft or related criminal activity would be subjected to so-called community punishment”.
The next day, members of the community obstructed police and forced the law enforcement officers to retreat from the area.
“As a result of this unlawful decision, Lwando Makinana, Nwabisa Melane, Ziphozihle Thimba and Vuyo Clifford Lamani were forcibly removed from their homes and killed. The court heard that the victims were unarmed and posed no threat at the time of the attack.
“Collectively, the sentences amount to life imprisonment, plus an additional 35 years. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of life imprisonment.
“The court further declared all the convicted persons unfit to possess firearms and ordered that the minor child of the late Nwabisa Melane be referred for professional counselling in recognition of the severe and lasting trauma caused by the crime,” the NPA said.
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