Life imprisonment for Siyabonga Ngubane in Umlazi murder case

The Durban High Court has sentenced Siyabonga Ngubane to life imprisonment for the March 2024 murder of Smanga Vusumuzi Khumalo in Umlazi’s Q Section.

A co-accused, Sthembiso Khomo, was sentenced to 20 years’ direct imprisonment for his role in the killing.

Mr Ngubane was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. He received an additional 18 years’ imprisonment, said Ms Natasha Ramkissoon-Kara, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“Before the incident, the men conspired to kill Khumalo, who had suffered a spinal injury in a previous attack and was wheelchair bound. On 28 March 2024, Khomo drove Ngubane to Umlazi, where Ngubane shot and killed Khumalo. Khomo then drove Ngubane away from the scene. Khumalo died on the scene, with the cause of death being multiple gunshot wounds to the head,” said Ms Ramkissoon-Kara.

Following the incident, members of the community mobilised to assist in locating the suspects. Police were alerted, and the two men were arrested shortly thereafter.

Advocate Bonginkosi Mbokazi, appearing for the state, led ballistic and cellphone evidence which placed both men at the scene. Police officials who attended the scene also testified.

The state submitted a victim impact statement compiled by Mr Khumalo’s mother and facilitated by court preparation officer Thandeka Nadi Mofokeng.

In the statement, she said her son had been the breadwinner and that the family had relied on him. She recounted the earlier attack, which had damaged his spinal cord and left him wheelchair bound. She said the two men had caused irreparable harm to the family.

“Ngubane was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm, and three years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in the effective sentence of life imprisonment,” said Ms Ramkissoon-Kara.

“In sentencing Mr Khomo, the court deviated from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment, sentencing him to 20 years’ direct imprisonment. In doing so, the court found that while he played a role in the murder, he played a lesser role than Mr Ngubane.

Both men were declared unfit to possess a firearm.”

Ms Ramkissoon-Kara said the NPA remains committed to upholding the rule of law and pursuing justice without fear or favour, and hopes the outcome brings some comfort and closure to the family of the victim.