On Friday (November 2), the Pietermaritzburg High Court sentenced former police officer Lungisani Arnold Mgaga (30) to six life terms for six counts of murder, plus 50 years’ imprisonment for five counts of attempted murder.
This is in connection with what came to be known as the ‘October 11 Massacre’ that happened in 2014.
The accused has been in custody since 2015, after his arrest, and was found in possession of his service pistol that was used during the commission of the crimes.
Co-accused Themba Mvelase (32), who was sentenced last year, is already serving life imprisonment for five counts of murder and 10 years for five counts of attempted murder.
Just after 5pm on October 11, 2014, a Mercedes Benz with five occupants was travelling on the Pieters road when it was attacked by unknown suspects who opened fire, killing one person who was identified as Happy Hlomuka (30).
Four other occupants were wounded and taken to hospital.
Less than an hour later, another shooting was reported at a car wash in Ezakheni D-Section, where five people were shot and killed.
One victim was wounded during the shooting and taken to hospital. The deceased were identified as Muzi Dlamini, Sfundo Dlamini, Mlungisi Dlamini Menzi Mvelase and Makhekhe Mathebula.
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All these cases were opened at Ezakheni police station and the provincial task team was tasked to vigorously investigate the incidents.
After an intensive investigation, the accused, who was based in Gauteng, was identified and arrested for both incidents. He was charged with six counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder. He is also linked to other murder cases in KwaZulu-Natal and will appear in court again soon to face these charges.
Enquiries: Lt Col Thulani Zwane on 0716836525
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