Five men aged between 26 and 43 will spent a long time behind bars for the crimes they committed in Ladysmith. Their cases were finalised in the Pietermaritzburg High Court where they were convicted and sentenced to life sentences and lengthy jail terms. Thokozani Mvelase(32) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, ten years for attempted murder, fifteen years for business robbery and fifteen years for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Sibusiso Gamede(43) was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, ten years for attempted murder and fifteen years for business robbery. Siphamandla Mabha Sithole(26) was also sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, ten years for attempted murder, fifteen years for robbery and fifteen years for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Jabulani Lukhele(26) was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for murder, eight years for attempted murder and twelve years for business robbery. Siboniso Nkosi(25) was sentenced to thirty years imprisonment for murder, eight years for attempted murder and twelve years for robbery.
On 21 December 2014 the accused robbed business premises in the Peacetown area. The owner of the business had just opened his business when the accused arrived. Two security guards were shot and robbed of their firearms by the accused. One guard died at the scene and the second guard was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds. The business man was severely assaulted and robbed of his cash, airtime vouchers and cellphones before the suspects fled the scene. Cases of murder, attempted murder and business robbery were opened at Ladysmith police station for further investigation.
Ladysmith detective members took over the investigation and sourced out information that lead to the arrest of six accused at Ezakheni area within a few hours after the crime. During their arrest, a special revolver that was taken during the robbery was recovered from the accused. Cash, airtime vouchers and cellphones were also recovered. Khulekani Hlatshwayo(28) made a confession and pleaded guilty to the crimes he committed and was sentenced in February 2015 to twenty five years for murder, five years for attempted murder and fifteen years for robbery. Although the case against the six accused has been finalised, dedicated detective members are still searching for the other three suspects who are still being sought and who were also part of the robbery.
