Durban – A 24-year-old man was handed a 25-year sentence by the uMlazi Regional Court for robbery, murder and escaping custody among other charges.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said Mbongeni Brendon Sibiya was charged and convicted on two counts of murder, robbery, possession of a prohibited firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and escaping from custody.
Ramkisson-Kara said the incidents took place in uMlazi, in August and October 2021.
Describing the first incident, she said Sibiya, and his accomplice attacked Sanele Ngobese, as he was walking out of his house.
“Sibiya blocked Ngobese’s way, while his accomplice pulled out a firearm and shot Ngobese twice. Sibiya then robbed him, and the two men fled the scene.”
According to Ramkisson-Kara, in another incident, the accused shot and robbed Jabulani Cele of his cellphone and wallet.
“Sibiya was arrested a few months later and taken to Prince Mshiyeni hospital, where he escaped from custody and had to be re-arrested.”
She said upon his arrest, the police found firearms and ammunition in his possession.
During court proceedings Sibiya pleaded not guilty to all the charges, except the charge of escaping from custody.
The State, represented by regional court prosecutor, Thanazile Arosi, appealed to the court to impose a sentence of life imprisonment, based on the seriousness of the offences, and the minimum sentence for murder.
However, Ramkisson-Kara said an eye witness told the court that it was the accomplice who fired the gun and not Sibiya.
“The court, therefore, deviated from life imprisonment, based on Sibiya’s role during the commission of the offence.”
She said the State also handed in victim impact statements, compiled by the deceased’s family members, and facilitated by court preparation officer, Thuli Sontsele.
“In their statements, the families expressed shock and disbelief in the manner in which their loved ones were killed.”
Ramkisson-Kara said Sibiya was sentenced to 10 and 15 years imprisonment respectively, for each count of murder, five years for theft, 10 years each for the possession of firearms charges, three years for the possession of ammunition and four years for escaping from custody.
“The court ordered that the sentences for murder will run consecutively with each other, while the remaining sentences will run concurrently with the 10 years’ imprisonment for murder, thus resulting in the 25-year sentence.”