BROTHERS GET LIFE AND 14 YEARS FOR MURDER AND ASSAULT.
REPORTER: TSHEPO C MOLOTO: The Greytown Regional Court has sentenced brothers Minenhle Gabela (23), Philani Gabela (21), and Mphilonhle Gabela (21), to life and 14 years imprisonment for the murder and assaults they committed in May 2021, at Enhlalakahle township in Greytown. The incident happened at the home of Khumbulani Dlamini, who was hosting a function, and the deceased, Bhekimpilo Buthelezi (26), and the other complainants were his guests.
During the function two of the brothers went there requesting work to clean up after the party ended. Dlamini, the homeowner agreed, however towards the end of the party, an altercation ensued with one of the guests, and the brothers were chased away. They returned a few minutes later armed with various weapons and a pack of dogs belonging to them.
They set the dogs on the guests, and when Buthelezi went to the aid of another guest who was being attacked by the brothers, they set the dogs on him. The dogs chased him until they pounced on him. The brothers then stabbed him in the chest and kicked him while the dogs also attacked him. They also assaulted other guests and instructed the dogs to bite them. Buthelezi was taken to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on arrival. The brothers were arrested the next day, following a manhunt conducted by the Greytown SAPS.
In court, Regional Court Prosecutor Premie Naidoo, led eye-witness evidence as well as the testimonies of all the complainants. Naidoo also submitted Victim Impact Statements, compiled by Buthelezi’s mother and fiancé, which were read into the record. His mother told the court that she has to receive psychiatric treatment for extreme depression following his death. His fiancé mentioned that she is finding it difficult to cope as she has two toddler children, who were dependent on Buthelezi.
The NPA acknowledges the successful prosecution and we commend the work done by the Prosecution and Investigating team. We trust that this sentence will have the necessary deterrent effect on like-minded people.
