Former DA councillor gets four life terms for torching and killing family
BERGVILLE - Michael Buthelezi, a former DA councillor, has been found guilty of murdering his partner and three children.
He has also been convicted of arson and defeating the ends of justice.
In October 2023, Buthelezi torched the house in which his family was asleep in Bergville.
The Ladysmith Regional Court dismissed Buthelezi's version that he and his family were the targets of a politically motivated attack.
Magistrate Elan Louw said evidence demonstrated that Buthelezi intentionally started the fire, and prevented his family from escaping by keeping the door shut.
He has been sentenced to four life terms, and an additional 15 years. The Okhahlamba mayor has welcomed the judgment.
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