KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu, has welcomed the sentencing of two men, Kwenza Gwala and Lindelani Mathonsi, who murdered a prominent taxi owner, Lindokuhle Tsoba and his wife, Ntombenhle Ndlovu.
The two were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pietermaritzburg High Court. Tsoba got shot in the presence of his wife and son at their home in Imbali, Unit J, on May 10, 2011. Tsoba’s wife, Ntombenhle Ndlovu, who also got shot in the attack, died at a later stage in hospital due to gunshot wounds to her chest.
A third accused, Stanley Bongani Mkhize, who was out on bail, is still at large and police are searching for him. Mkhize is alleged to have masterminded the plan, after allegations that Tsoba had an affair with his wife. Mathonsi received a further 25 years imprisonment for the murder of Ntombenhle Ndlovu.
When passing sentence Judge David Ntshangase said the accused had ample time to withdraw from their plan, as they had to halt their planned action due to disturbances in two separate instances.
Mchunu commends the police for their hard work in investigating the matter, he further applauds the judiciary for not showing any mercy to criminals who do not value and respect other people’s lives.
“On behalf of the government of KwaZulu-Natal, I would like to welcome the penned sentence of the Tsoba family murder accused. I applaud the police service for their well conducted investigations in bringing the perpetrators to book. I further applaud the judiciary for the harsh sentence on the perpetrators as such will send a strong message to criminals that our judiciary has no mercy for criminal elements in our society,” said Mchunu.
MEC Mchunu also expressed shock and disappointment regarding Kwenza Gwala, who is allegedly a member of a Community Policing Forum (CPF), for partaking in such a devious crime. “As a member of a CPF, Gwala is supposed to protect and prevent any criminal activities in his community by reporting such to the Police. He is a disgrace to his community, who entrusted him with their lives. I plead with anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Stanley Bongani Mkhize to inform the police,” said Mchunu.
Enquiries:
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462 or 079 699 5755
