EMKHONDO – The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Breyten sentenced Siyabonga Richard Sangweni (32) to four life sentences on September 3.
He was found guilty of fatally shooting four of his family members and seriously injuring one.
The killings took place in eMkhondo on June 15, 2023, claiming the lives of his 73-year-old grandmother and three young children aged between three and six, and leaving his 22-year-old sister critically injured.
Sangweni was apprehended by police shortly after the murders after officers cornered him while he was attempting to hide at the scene of the crime.
At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a licensed firearm.
Further investigations revealed that he had purchased the firearm on the day of the incident.
After being found guilty of the four murders and attempted murder, Sangweni was sentenced to life imprisonment on the four separate counts and an added 15 years for the attempted murder.
Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasised that the sentence served as a stern warning to firearm owners.
He stressed that firearms should be used solely for defence in accordance with South Africa’s Firearms Control Act, and not for committing crimes.
