The case against five men suspected of aggravated robbery and murder in Hibberdene during January 2017 has finally come to a close after they were found guilty and sentenced in the Durban High Court on 1 August 2022.
On the night of 28 January 2017 a group of unknown men stormed into a tavern in Mathuluini area Hibberdene and opened fire killing one person and injuring another. They fled taking cash , alcohol and cellphone. Hibberdene police responded to the scene and immediate follow-up was done as one of the suspects injured his accomplice in the shooting. Two suspects were arrested the same day at a local clinic where he was receiving treatment for his gunshot wound. Prompt investigation led to the arrest of the other three suspects.
The five accused, who all hail from Hibberdene, have been in police custody throughout their trial and have made a number of court appearances. Nhlanhla Maluleka (24) was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, eighteen years for murder, eight years and a further five years for two counts of attempted murder.
Mbongeni Shinga (31) was sentenced to ten years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, twenty two years for murder and eight years for attempted murder.
Phakamani Sphamandla Ncube (28) , Sifiso Gwala (26) and Nhlkanipho Maradona Nene ( 1995) were each sentenced to ten years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, twenty two years for murder, eight years and a further five years for attempted murder. The sentences are to run concurrently.