Third accused sentenced in albino murder case
The 17-year-old is the third of four men sentenced in the murder of Thandazile Mpunzi
THE family of Thandazile Mpunzi (20), the albino woman who was brutally murdered, dismembered and buried in a shallow grave in Manguzi last year, received more closure last week as the third of the four accused was sentenced.
The third accused, whose name cannot be released as he is a 17-year-old minor, was sentenced in the Mtubatuba High Court to 18 years imprisonment.
According to a statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the accused in this matter, together with two other accused – Mandla Mabuza and Lindokuhle Khumalo – was told by their co-accused Bhekukufa Gumede that he needed the body of an albino female.
He told them that ‘muthi’ mixed with the body parts of a person with albinism would make them rich.
Mpunzi was allegedly in a relationship with the accused in this matter.
State advocate Nettleton Buthelezi led the testimony of Mpunzi’s mother. She told the court how the murder had affected her family. She also said she has two other children born with albinism and she fears for their safety.
In August last year, Mpunzi was lured to a remote area and strangled by the men.
They then phoned Gumede who told them to hide the body. They all later returned to the scene where Gumede removed some body parts.
The body of the deceased was transported in Gumede’s vehicle to his home where it remained.
The accused were arrested on 18 August. Mabuza and Khumalo later pleaded guilty to the murder and were each sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Gumede will go on trial later this year.
