Man who stabbed friend in back convicted for murder

THE long arm of the law caught up with a Wentworth man, who despite going through the processes of a high court re-trial, was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

The accused was convicted and sentenced at the Durban Regional Court recently, for the murder of his friend on April 25, 2020.

The spokesperson for the Wentworth Police Station, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said it is alleged that an argument broke out between two friends at the corner of Ixora Road and Olive Grove, which turned into a fight.

Also read: Wentworth cop’s alleged killers to apply for bail

“It is further alleged that the deceased approached the accused about money that he owed him. An argument broke out, and the deceased assaulted the accused on the head with a brick.

“The accused, after being assaulted with the brick, fled and returned armed with a knife. He approached the deceased and stabbed him in his back with a knife. The deceased was rushed to hospital and later succumbed to his injury,” Gumede said.

Detective Warrant Officer Walter Marais was tasked with the investigations and obtained the necessary evidence to produce for court purposes.

The matter was set for trial, and the accused was found guilty in November 2021. He then made an application to the high court for a re-trial and two assessors, which he was granted. The case was thereafter remanded for a re-trial.

“The witnesses were called again for re-tria,l and the accused was then found guilty of murder and sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment,” added Gumede.

The station commander of the Wentworth Police Station, Colonel Sinayo Mtshali, commended Marais for his professionalism and excellent investigation skills during the investigation.

“We urge the community to report crime to the police. Vigilantism is a crime, and nobody should take the law into his or her own hands,” added Mtshali.

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