Judge Cassim Moosa sentenced eight men to life in prison for the murder of Luyanda Mbana, 27, in the High Court sitting at the PalmRidge Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Musawenkosi Mlambo, 35, Mduduzi Khumalo, 28, Andile Jafta, 24, Sifiso Radebe, 25, Ntokozo Mazengolo, 24, Sibonelo Dzanibe,22, Thembinkosi Mlambo, 30, had all been found guilty of murdering Mbana in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg on 6 July 2013.
Judge Moosa said that the serious nature of the crime they had committed called for a substantial lengthy period of imprisonment.
“Due weight must be given to the accused personal circumstances as well as the interest of society,” Moosa said before he ordered that all eight accused be locked away for life.
Moosa had earlier considered that the men committed a merciless killing.
They had sought out Mbana in a block of flats, while armed and even shouted “let’s kill this dog” when they found him, Moosa said.
Mbana was assaulted with an axe and metal spikes and beaten up with various objects until he died. The deceased’s family said they still did not know why the eight men murdered their beloved Mbana.
During her testimony in aggravation of sentence, Mbana’s sister told the court that the death of her brother affected their family so much so that it led to the death of their mother.
Moosa sentenced all men to life in prison. African News Agency (ANA)
