KwaZulu-Natal man gets two life sentences for killing his in-laws with stolen gun

A 40-year-old man was handed two life sentences in the Umzimkhulu Regional Court in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday for killing his parents-in-law.

Mzwandile Mlambo shot and killed Nontuthuko Tenza, 60, and Shumilakhe Tenza, 61, at their home in the Nazareth area in Umzimkhulu on 15 April 2017.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele, Mlambo had fired through the window, striking them in the head and stomach.

“Both victims died due to the nature of injuries sustained. Charges of murder were opened for investigation by the Umzimkhulu police,” Mbele said.

“The investigation was gathered by the investigating officer assigned to the docket. The accused involved was identified and traced to his hideout in the Umzimkhulu area, where he was arrested. He was found in possession of five rounds of ammunition. During the course of the investigation, it was established that the firearm used, during the commission of the crime, was stolen on 13 April 2017.”

Mlambo stole his father’s firearm and used it to commit the murders.

“The investigation also revealed that [Mlambo] was the murdered couple’s son-in-law. He was tried in court and made several court appearances until his sentencing. He was sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of murder, seven years’ imprisonment for theft of a firearm and seven years for possession of an unlicensed firearm,” Mbele said.

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khombinkosi Jula welcomed the sentences.

“We hope this sentence will bring comfort and closure to the family,” he said.

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