Two men, guilty of the senseless murder of a Dannhauser man, have been sentenced to 45 years imprisonment for the crime.
Sipho Ntuli (23) and Zamokuhle Ziqubu (22) of Annieville were sentenced for the murder on February 21 at the Newcastle Regional Court.
The men were found guilty of killing Sebastian Damacos du Plessis on November 23, 2013.
Mr Du Plessis, an employee at Regent Store in Dannhauser was outside the store when the two men entered. Armed with firearms, they demanded cash from the owner, before shooting him in the thigh. When Mr Du Plessis heard the gunshot, he rushed inside but was shot in the chest as he entered the store.
Lt Colonel Ntanda also thanked the community of Dannhauser for always assisting with information.
The owner and Mr Du Plessis were rushed to Dundee hospital but sadly he succumbed to his injuries.
A case of murder, attempted murder and attempted robbery was opened and assigned to Detective Sergeant Bongani Mbatha.
In January 2014, Sipho Ntuli was traced and arrested in Gauteng (Jeppe Hostel), where he was hiding. Zamokuhle Ziqubu of Annieville was also arrested soon after.
Two other men were arrested in Ladysmith and Dannhauser but they were acquitted. They were sentenced to 25 years for murder, 10 years for attempted murder and 10 years for attempted robbery. They were also declared unfit to possess a firearm. The sentences will run concurrently.
Dannhauser Station Commander, Lt Colonel BV Ntanda applauded Detective Sergeant Bongani Mbatha for his dedication and outstanding performance, describing him as always doing his utmost best to solve murder cases at the station. Lt Colonel Ntanda also thanked the community of Dannhauser for always assisting with information.
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