DURBAN: 26 February 2023 – Mtunzini High Court convicted and sentenced Sabelo Jaja Dludla (22) and Sifiso Mhlongo (26) to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for robbery and a further 5 years for kidnaping. The sentence was handed to the accused on 22 February 2023.
On 29 July 2019 Vusumuzi Daniel Mlaba (60) was reported missing at Eshowe SAPS by his girlfriend who could not find him at his house. A preliminary investigation was conducted and it revealed that his house was broken into and certain items were stolen from the house including his vehicle.
Few days later his vehicle was traced to a certain house in Matsheni at Empangeni. Police recovered the vehicle, a cellphone and other items that were taken from Mlaba’s house. Two suspects were detained for possession of stolen items. The police continued searching for the missing person and the investigation led them to Ntumeni at Engoje where Mlaba’s body was found in a shallow grave.
The accused made several appearances at Eshowe Magistrate’s Court where they were denied bail, later the matter was transferred to Mtunzini High Court where they were sentenced and convicted.