Double murderer gets 60 years

JUSTICE was served in the sentencing of a Pongola man who murdered his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend in the KwaMbhobho area in July 2022.

Xolani Mafuleka was given an effective 60 years for killing Smangele Dlamini (34) of the Ngedle area and Muzi Xaba (48) of the KwaMbhobho area in front of Dlamini’s two children.

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This included 30 years for Dlamini’s murder, 15 years for Xaba’s murder and a further 15 years for possession of an illegal firearm.

The court heard how Mafuleka arrived at the home where Xaba, Dlamini and her two children were staying, armed with a gun.

Dlamini’s daughter (12) pleaded with Mafuleka not to shoot her mother, saying she was the only parent she had, but Mafuleka fired three shots at Dlamini.

Her daughter ran outside and her son (15), who had witnessed the shooting through the bathroom window, ran inside asking for the accused to call an ambulance.

Instead, Mafuleka ordered the boy to open the door where Xaba was staying, shooting him twice before fleeing the scene.

Police were called and a manhunt was launched, however, Mafuleka handed himself over to Pongola SAPS the following day.

He was denied bail and remained in custody until his sentencing.

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