Siblings who set dogs on party guests sentenced

Three brothers who set dogs on guests at a party at Enhlalakahle township in Greytown have been sentenced to life and 14 years imprisonment for murder and assaults committed in May 2021.

The trio, 23-year-old Minenhle Gabela, and 21-year-olds Philani Gabela and Mphilonhle Gabela appeared in the Greytown Magistrate’s Court in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday where the sentences were handed down.

Party

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the incident happened at the home of Khumbulani Dlamini, who was hosting a function for a number of people including 26-year-old Bhekimpilo Buthelezi, who died at the event.

“During the function, two of the brothers went there requesting work to clean up after the party. Dlamini, the homeowner agreed, however, towards the end of the party, an altercation ensued with one of the guests, and the brothers were chased away.”

Attack

Ramkisson-Kara said the disgruntled brothers returned a few minutes later “armed with various weapons and a pack of dogs belonging to them”.

“They set the dogs on the guests, and when Buthelezi went to the aid of another guest who was being attacked by the brothers, they set the dogs on him. The dogs chased him until they pounced on him. The brothers then stabbed him in the chest and kicked him while the dogs also attacked him.

“They also assaulted other guests and instructed the dogs to bite them. Buthelezi was taken to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on arrival. The brothers were arrested the next day, following a manhunt conducted by the Greytown Saps,” she said.

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Court proceedings

Ramkisson-Kara said prosecutor Premie Naidoo led eye-witness evidence as well as the testimonies of all the complainants.

“Naidoo also submitted victim impact statements, compiled by Buthelezi’s mother and fiancé. His mother told the court that she has to receive psychiatric treatment for extreme depression following his death.

“His fiancé mentioned that she is finding it difficult to cope as she has two toddler children, who were dependent on Buthelezi,” Ramkisson-Kara added.

The NPA said it hoped the sentence would send a strong message to people who intend to commit similar crimes.

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