| 30 years each for Mdantsane killing couple | |
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| Date Published: | 2021/04/16 |
| Description Details: | |
Media Statement BHISHO - Lebohang Mbola (45) a female from nu17 Mdantsane ( first accused) and Mthunzi Mbelwana, (62) male from Mdantsane (second accused) were both found guilty and sentenced to 30 years effective imprisonment for two murders, four attempted murders, arson and fraud at Bhisho High Court on 16 April 2021. It is alleged that on 27 December 2018 the two accused visited deceased, Themba Mbola, (55) who was previously married to accused no 1 on the pretext that they needed to talk about some issue affecting their children, since they had three children in their embattled nuptials. The two then pointed the deceased with a firearm, tied him with a rope and forced him to drink petrol while they set the house alight. Four children aged between 3 and 7 who were inside the house, were locked inside the torched house but were fortunately salvaged from the inferno with third degree burns. The deceased husband, in his last fight for life grabbed his estranged wife and a short scuffle ensued inside the burning house. It was then that the second accused took out a firearm and fatally wounded him. A neighbour who heard the cry for help came and rescued the wife of the deceased and the children. The heavily burnt wife died a day later after she related all what transpired and names of people behind this attack. Accused no 1 was arrested on the same day, while second accused was arrested later in March 2019. They have been in custody since, until their sentencing. They couple were found guilty for the following crimes:- 1. Housebreaking with intent to murder 2. Murder (husband) 3. Murder (wife) 4. Attempted murder (4 children) 8. Arson 9. Conspiracy to murder 10. Unlawful possession of firearm 11. Unlawful possession of ammunition 12. Defeat ends of justice 13. Fraud First accused - Lebohang Mbola was sentenced as follows: 2. Murder-25 years 3. Murder-25 years 4. Attempted murder x4 (12 years each) 9. Arson-7 years 10. Fraud-5 years Count 1-2 to be served concurrently. Count 3-8 to be served concurrently. Accused is effectively sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. Second accused Mthunzi Mbelwana, was sentenced as follows:- 1. Housebreaking with intent to murder 2. Murder-25 3. Murder-25 4. Attempted murder x4 (12 each) 9. Arson-7 10. Unlawful possession of firearm -5 11. Unlawful possession of ammunition -5 12. Defeat ends of justice -5 13. Fraud-5 Count 10-11 to be served concurrently. Count 3-8 to be served concurrently. Accused is effectively sentenced to 30 years imprisonment. The charge of fraud stems from an allegation that between October-December 2017 second accused pretended to be a cousin deceased, Themba Mbola and opened an insurance policy with a reputable financial services provider. After executing the murder he claimed a sum of R60 000-00. from the policy. Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga was elated with the conviction and commended the detectives for their role. "Sgt Buhle Makala's meticulous manner in which he handled all investigations since the case was opened until the sentence doesn't go unnoticed, well done. This made it easy for the prosecution and courts to reach this conclusion. “she said. Ends
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