The Durban High Court has sentenced Siviwe Magugu to life and 15 years imprisonment for the murder and robbery of Rajani Devi Reuban in September 2022.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said Ms Reuban, 67, lived with her son in the Foresthaven area in Phoenix, north of Durban.
“Magugu was employed by Reuban on a casual basis to assist with gardening as well as odd jobs around her house. On September 9, 2022, Magugu reported to work, and at some point, he strangled Reuban and stole her belongings including cash, her cellphone, a TV, a sound system as well as jewellery. Magugu then fled the scene and was arrested after police followed up on leads from informer networks, and Reuban’s family members,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.
In court Advocate Gugu Xulu led the testimony of a Section 204 witness, as well as circumstantial evidence.
Ms Xulu also submitted Victim Impact Statements compiled by Reuben’s children and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer, Thandeka Nadi Mofokeng.
In their statements, both men spoke of the trauma they experienced following their mother’s death. They said that their lives have been drastically changed. They described their mother as the heartbeat of their family.
“Magugu was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentences will run concurrently, and Magugu was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.
“The NPA commends the work done by the prosecution and other stakeholders in securing this conviction. We hope that sentences of this nature will deter like-minded individuals.”
