Sambulo Mngomezulu was sentenced to life and 38 years imprisonment for the murder and robbery of Griffits Mdeni Gumede, an e-hailing driver, in June 2022. Picture: UNSPLASH FREE DOWNLOADS
The Durban High Court has sentenced Sambulo Mngomezulu, 37, to life and 38 years imprisonment for the murder and robbery of an e-hailing driver, Griffits Mdeni Gumede, in June 2022, in the Umbilo area in Durban.
Mngomezulu was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Mr Gumede was on duty on June 14, 2022, when he was requested to fetch someone from the Umbilo area, said Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“Upon arrival at the destination, Gumede was shot and killed. His car was recovered an hour later in KwaMashu, north of Durban. Mngomezulu was found in the car, and the car keys as well as a firearm and ammunition were found in his possession,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.
In court, Advocate Gugu Xulu led fingerprint and ballistic evidence, and reports from the vehicle tracking device which linked Mngomezulu to the crimes. Ms Xulu also submitted Victim Impact Statements compiled by Mr Gumede’s family members and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Thandeka Nadi Mofokeng.
“In their statements, the family described Gumede as a good, hard-working person. He was the breadwinner in their household, and his passing has left them in financial difficulties. Mngomezulu’s sentences will run concurrently, resulting in the effective sentence of life imprisonment. Also, Mngomezulu was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.