Durban – On 25 March 2020, the Umzimkhulu Regional Court finalised the matter of Mzwandile Mlambo (40) who was sentenced to double life terms imprisonment for murders.
It is alleged that on 15 April 2017 at 20:00, Nontuthuko Tenza (60) and Shumilakhe Tenza (61) were at their home at Nazareth area in Umzimkhulu when they were attacked by an unknown man. Shots were fired through the window, Strucking the victims in the head and stomach. Both victims died due to the nature of injuries sustained. Charges of murder were opened for investigation by Umzimkhulu SAPS.
The investigation was gathered by the investigating officer assigned to the docket. The accused involved was identified and traced at his hideout in the Umzimkhulu area where he was arrested. He was found in possession of five rounds of ammunition. During the course of the investigation, it was established that the firearm used, during the commission of the crime, was stolen on 13 April 2017.
The accused allegedly stole his father’s firearm and it was used to commit the murders. The investigation also revealed that the accused was the murdered couple’s son-in-law. He was tried in court and made several court appearances until his sentencing. He was sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of murder, seven years imprisonment for theft of a firearm and seven years for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula welcomed the sentences handed to the accused. “We hope this sentence will bring comfort and closure to the family,” he said.