The Durban Regional Court on Thursday sentenced Andile Biyela to two terms of life and 15 years imprisonment following his conviction on the two counts of murder of Mthandeni Mpofana and Mxolisi Gida and the attempted murder of Luyanda Ntuli in August 2021 in Quarry Heights, Durban.
Biyela had been in a relationship with Ms Ntuli, however, they had broken up before the incidents, and Ms Ntuli was in a relationship with Mr Mpofana at the time.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said on the day of the incident, Biyela, 23, went to Mr Mpofana’s home where Ms Ntuli, Mr Gida and some other people were.
“They refused him entry and he went away. He returned a few hours later, accompanied by another, unknown man and they broke the door down. Biyela pointed at Mpofana, and the unknown man walked up to him and shot him in the head. Biyela then pointed to Gida, and he was also shot in the head. Biyela then pointed at Ntuli and the shootist walked up to her and placed the gun to her head. She managed to push the gun away and a shot went off, grazing her on her elbow. Biyela and the shootist then fled,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.
The following day, Biyela contacted Ms Ntuli on her cellphone, asking to meet at a nearby park, added Ms Ramkisson-Kara. He instructed her to come alone, without alerting the police. She contacted the police who set up an operation and stayed close by. They arrested Biyela when he appeared.
Regional Court prosecutor Carlson Govender led Ms Ntuli’s evidence as well as that of the investigating officer. Mr Govender also handed in a pre-sentencing report where Ms Ntuli told the court about how the ordeal had affected her life.
“Ntuli said Biyela had destroyed her life. She was forced to leave school after the incident due to her injuries. She also said that he had physically abused her when they were in a relationship. Ntuli asked the court to impose a harsh sentence on him,” said Mr Govender.
Biyela was sentenced to life imprisonment for each of the murders and 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder. The court declared him unfit to possess a firearm, said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.