Sixteen people have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal mob killing of four residents of Ndindwa Village in Debenek, Eastern Cape.
The convictions stem from a vigilante-style attack on 31 December 2022, in which the victims were accused of stealing electricity cables. During the attack, a nine-year-old girl watched as her mother was killed.
According to evidence before the court, a community meeting was held in Ndindwa where it was decided that action should be taken against people suspected of cable theft. Four residents were then identified and targeted.
They were dragged from their homes, assaulted, tied up and taken to the centre of the village. There, they were set alight and burnt to death.
The victims were:
- Vuyo Lamani (40)
- Lwando Makinana (30)
- Nwabisa Melani (29)
- Ziphozihle Timba (37)
Police from Chungwa SAPS responded to the scene and launched an investigation. The matter was later transferred to the Bhisho High Court on 11 March 2024.
All 16 accused were convicted and received identical sentences:
- Four counts of murder – life imprisonment on each count
- Four counts of kidnapping – 8 years’ imprisonment on each count
- One count of public violence – 3 years’ imprisonment
Those sentenced are:
- Dumisani Mpofana (38)
- Mluleki Xulu (48)
- Neliso Nkohla (31)
- Zwelandile Kitise (53)
- Nombulelo Bukani Kitise (41)
- Unathi Khakhalala (28)
- Bantu Marala (36)
- Lindi Mbintashe (37)
- Mfuniseli Mbintashe (65)
- Mvelisi Xulu (45)
- Nkosinathi Dyantyi (73)
- Yanginkosi Solani (41)
- Nombuzo Binyashe (57)
- Lungisa Mathana (39)
- Zandisile Kitisa (71)
- Thobani Vena (38)
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa welcomed the outcome.
“Through hard work and dedication by SAPS detectives, 16 suspects were arrested, charged and convicted,” she said.
Police and prosecutors have described the case as a stark warning against mob justice, stressing that suspicions of crime must be reported to authorities and not dealt with through violent attacks.
Follow Us on Twitter
