Latest news with #MpumalangaNews
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Life sentences for Mpumalanga tavern owners who set alleged burglars alight
The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court has delivered a stern message against vigilantism, sentencing Mpilo Clinton Twala (35), Advice Philimon Lubisi (39) and Joshua Mkhonto (42) to life imprisonment for the horrific 2020 murders of Isaac Mdaka and Xoli Mathebula. Mpumalanga News reports the trio were sentenced yesterday. According to Monica Nyuswa, the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Mpumalanga, the men were convicted on two counts of murder, three counts of kidnapping, and one of assault. The charges stem from a brutal incident that took place on March 1, 2020, in Xhimungwe, Bushbuckridge. 'Twala and Mkhonto, both tavern owners, along with Twala's friend Lubisi, are reported to have forcefully abducted Mdaka and Mathebula from their homes. The victims were accused of breaking into Twala's tavern and were taken to an open field, where they were savagely assaulted with scissor jacks before being doused with petrol and set alight,' says Nyuswa. She adds that despite suffering severe burns, Mdaka miraculously managed to escape and was discovered by a passer-by who alerted his father. An ambulance was called and both victims were rushed to Matikwane Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries. The three killers were arrested a week later. During the trial, Twala, Lubisi and Mkhonto pleaded not guilty and denied any involvement in the crime. However, senior state Adv Vuyo Mkhulise presented a compelling case, strengthened by Mdaka's testimony – given before his death – as well as accounts from eyewitnesses. 'One witness recounted seeing the accused assaulting Mdaka, and his father identified one of them as the person who had taken his son. Post-mortem reports, confirming severe burn injuries as the cause of death for both victims, were also submitted as irrefutable evidence,' says Nyuswa. The court ultimately found the accused guilty on all charges. In aggravation of sentence, Mkhulise emphasised the trio's complete lack of remorse, describing the murders as exceptionally cruel and indicative of a profound disregard for human life. Victim impact statements, facilitated by court preparation officer Nomfundo Mokoena, further highlighted the immense and lasting trauma suffered by the victims' families. Each of the accused received the following sentences: Life imprisonment for each count of murder Five years' imprisonment for each count of kidnapping Twelve months' imprisonment for assault, suspended for five years The court ruled that all sentences would run concurrently, effectively meaning each accused will serve life imprisonment. The Department of Correctional Services was also instructed to consult the victims' families before any consideration of parole, ensuring the gravity of the crimes continues to be acknowledged throughout the correctional process. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Husband accused of Mbombela doctor's murder back in court for bail hearing
The Nelspruit Magistrate's Court was jam-packed again yesterday, with family and friends of Dr Nondumiso Nkosi-Sibanyoni, as her murder-accused Sifiso Vusimuzi Sibanyoni appeared for his bail hearing. Mpumalanga News reports that Sibanyoni stands accused of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder after his estranged wife was fatally shot in the parking lot of Virgin Active Gym Riverside at around 05:20 on November 20 last year. Protesters gathered outside the court, chanting 'No bail!' while the state and the defence cross-examined investigative officer Constable Sindisiwe Precious Nyaka of the SAPS Organised Crime Unit. The state asked Nyaka to confirm the two insurance payouts Sibanyoni received after his estranged wife's death. Nyaka confirmed that the first payment, R200 354, was received on February 4, 2024. A second amount of R1.5m was paid into his account on March 20, 2025. The court was also concerned about their children and where they are currently living. Nyaka stated that the youngest is living with Nondumiso's parents, while the eldest remains with the accused. The state further questioned why Nyaka had not inquired about Sibanyoni's passport or whether he posed a flight risk. 'I did not inquire about his passport since he is a South African citizen,' she responded. The state also informed Nyaka that the accused had two protection orders against him – from his wife and his father-in-law. Nyaka admitted she was unaware of these and had only learnt of them in court. When the tables turned, Sibanyoni's lawyer challenged the charge of conspiracy to commit murder. 'There is no regional or high court that will accept this charge if the police cannot connect the accused with the killer,' Sibanyoni's lawyer disputed. He also questioned why no other arrests had been made, given that three state witnesses had allegedly taken part in the crime. Nyaka said she could not yet identify the witnesses or disclose the evidence. Sibanyoni's lawyer repeatedly pressed Nyaka to provide proof of the evidence, but she was unable to present or disclose anything to the court. The defence also asked when and why she had signed the insurance documents. Nyaka explained that she met with Sibanyoni and his lawyer on the day of the post-mortem and signed off on the papers, as she had no reason to suspect him at the time. The defence returned to the state witness statements, which claim that the accused plans to interfere with the investigation if granted bail. Nyaka told the court she had a letter containing those statements and phone records of outgoing calls between the accused and the witnesses. However, when asked to produce audio evidence of the calls, she said she had none. Sibanyoni's bail hearing continues in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court today. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga court sentences man who killed school guard in crime spree
The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court has sentenced 41-year-old Nkosinathi Fazo Khumalo to life imprisonment for a string of violent crimes that left a community in shock. According to Mpumalanga News, Khumalo was convicted on five charges – including murder, housebreaking with intent to commit robbery, and three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances – following a crime spree that began on June 18, 2020. NPA provincial spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said Khumalo shot and killed Amos Mathabathela Mgwenya, a former security guard at Mthayiza Primary School in Bhuga Trust, Nsikazi District. He then broke into the school's computer lab, stealing computers and other electronic equipment. 'In a separate incident, Khumalo, along with unidentified accomplices, robbed employees at the Mhala Post Office at gunpoint, stealing cash and cellphones,' Nyuswa said. Khumalo was later arrested in connection with an unrelated matter. Forensic evidence subsequently linked him to both the school shooting and the armed robbery. Although Khumalo pleaded not guilty, state Advocate Senzo Zindela led compelling evidence that resulted in a conviction. A post-mortem confirmed that Mgwenya had died from multiple gunshot wounds. 'Zindela emphasised that Khumalo showed no remorse and had brutally murdered a man who was serving his community,' Nyuswa added. Victim impact statements presented in court detailed the psychological and emotional trauma experienced by Mgwenya's wife and children. Delivering the sentence, Judge Johannes Hendrickus Roelofse said communities have a right to live in safety and security, and found no compelling reason to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence. Khumalo received the following sentences: Life imprisonment for murder; five years for housebreaking with intent to commit robbery; and 15 years for each of the three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. All sentences are to run concurrently with the life term. Khumalo was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. His application for leave to appeal both the conviction and sentence was dismissed following the state's objection. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Watch: Ramaphosa hails Mabuza as ‘unifier' at state funeral service
Guests and mourners gathered for the state funeral of former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza at Hoërskool Bergvlam yesterday. Thousands attended the service. According to Mpumalanga News, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy, describing Mabuza as a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but across the country. 'He was a man of sharp intellect, deep pragmatism and quiet resolve. To some, he was the 'cat with nine lives', resilient in the face of political storms. 'But to many in his home province and beyond, he was a source of support, a provider of opportunities, and a champion for rural development and education,' said Ramaphosa, adding that Mabuza would be remembered as a unifier. 'As premier he was committed to unifying the different people of the Land of the Rising Sun. In death, he has once again brought us all together, across many nations and continents, to mourn, pay homage, remember and fondly reminisce. 'In his eternal sleep, he is demonstrating that our many differences along political party and racial lines, and the numerous disputes we may have, are eclipsed by our shared desire to follow his lead in building a just, equitable and caring society,' he added. In a message from Mabuza's wife, Nonhlanhla Mabuza, read by Nomsa Mnisi, she reflected on their first meeting and how she came to terms with his dedication to public service. 'Serving the people of South Africa was your first love. Like any young wife, I struggled with that at first. But when I saw the joy and impact you brought to the people of Mpumalanga, I embraced my place beside you as your partner, with love and pride. The love you had for your children was tough but empowering.' She said Mabuza touched many lives profoundly and recalled how she never worried when he left for his regular medical check-ups because he always returned home. She remembered their last phone call and being informed an hour later that he was being taken to hospital. She vowed to carry the rest of her journey with the strength he left behind. After the state funeral, the family held a private service in Barberton. Watch the funeral service here: Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
Man arrested months after fatal shooting of Mbombela doctor outside gym
A man (39) was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the fatal shooting of Dr Nondumiso Sibanyoni (34) from Mbombela. Sibanyoni was killed on November 20, 2024. The suspect is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on Thursday to face a murder charge, Mpumalanga News reports. The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said Sibanyoni was fatally shot at around 06:00 on the said date. 'She was walking towards the gym after parking her car at the parking lot of Virgin Active Riverside. A Toyota Starlet drove towards her, and a gunman exited the vehicle and shot her three times before fleeing the scene. Nothing was stolen from the victim,' Mdhluli said. The police and paramedics responded to the scene. Sibanyoni was lying on the ground outside her car and was declared dead by the medical personnel. Mdhluli confirmed that the case was handed over to the provincial murder and robbery unit in Mpumalanga, which successfully investigated the matter as a gender-based violence and femicide case, leading to the current arrest. The police have indicated that they cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests as the investigation remains ongoing. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
