In 2015, the shooting of Skhumbuzo Mkhize (40) shook the Nquthu community.
Four years after the brutal incident, which occurred on the way back from Isandlwana High School where Skhumbuzo was a teacher, accused Bheki Shabangu (53) was sentenced to 15 years in prison during proceedings at the Dundee Magistrate’s Court recently.
After three days of witness testimony and evidence, Magistrate Ferrero found Shabangu guilty of culpable homicide.
Xolani Mkhize, the older brother of Skhumbuzo, said he had decided to take his brother’s case up to the provincial Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, after the case was closed at the Nquthu Magistrate’s Court and at the High Court.
“A case was opened at the Nquthu Police Station in 2015 but without my knowledge. We were told the case had been closed without [Shabangu] appearing in court. I then took the matter to the High Court and the same thing was done, as the accused never appeared. In frustration, I decided to write an email to the provincial Department of Justice. That is where prosecutor, Advocate Selepe decided to re-open the case. As a family, we are glad that after five years, my brother’s murderer is going behind bars.”
Skhumbuzo was reportedly shot twice, once in the neck and once in the face. He later succumbed to his injuries. While the incident is assumed to have been an argument gone wrong, it remains unclear what led to Shabangu opening fire on Skhumbuzo.
The National Prosecuting Authority has been contacted for comment. At the time of publication, no response had been received.
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