Seven accused who took part in the fatal stabbing of Luyanda Mbanda (25) in Alexandra in 2013 were sentenced in the Pam Ridge High Court on 11 December.
Ntokozo Mazongolo, Mduduzi Loveson Khumalo, Muziwenkosi Mlambo, Sifiso Sphamandla Radebe, Thembinkosi Mlambo and Andile Japhta were each given life sentences while Sibonelo Dzanibe received a 20-year sentence.
“The eighth suspect in the case, Ntokozo Ashwell Nukani, committed suicide back at his home in KwaZulu-Natal while all the accused were on bail,” said Alexandra police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela.
All the convicts, including Nukani, had an argument with Mbanda at his home in Thoko Mngoma Street on 6 July 2013 at 11.50pm over the type of music he was playing at the party. Tempers flared during the argument and a fight broke out. Mbanda was found to have multiple axe wounds to his head and body.
The convicts and Nukani are said to have used an axe and a stick to assault Mbanda, who was declared dead on the scene. Police managed to arrest seven of the convicts on the scene, while Mlambo fled the scene and went back to his residence in KwaZulu-Natal.
Detective Constable Xolani Mnyani of Alexandra police traced Thembinkosi back to KwaZulu-Natal and arrested him. All the convicts in the case, including Nukani, had been given bail by Pam Ridge High Court.
