KZN men get 20 life terms, 494 years for traditional ceremony massacre

Four convicted killers have been handed a combined 20 life sentences and 494 years' imprisonment for the 2024 Nyezane mass murder in which five people were gunned.

Four men convicted of carrying out a deadly mass shooting at a traditional ceremony in Nyezane, near Estcourt, in KwaZulu-Natal have been sentenced to a combined 20 life imprisonment terms and an additional 494 years behind bars.

The Madadeni High Court on Thursday sentenced Phakamani Khumalo, 27, Bongisipho Khumalo, 23, Ndabenhle Khumalo, 26, and Mzomuhle Zondi, 27, after finding them guilty on five counts of murder, attempted murder, robbery with a firearm, house robbery, vehicle robbery, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The convictions stem from a brutal attack on October 27, 2024, when the armed men stormed a homestead in the Nyezane area where a traditional ceremony was under way.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the attackers concealed their identities with balaclavas before opening fire with AK-47 assault rifles and handguns on people gathered at the Mazibuko family homestead.

“One of the victims used his licenced firearm to return fire before he was overpowered and his firearm was robbed,” said Netshiunda.

A breakthrough in the investigation came shortly after the shooting when police traced one of the suspects, Phakamani Khumalo, to a local hospital.

“Investigations revealed that he was shot at the crime scene by a firearm they robbed as they fled from the scene,” Netshiunda said.

The remaining three suspects were arrested at a hideout in Acaciaville, Ladysmith.

Police recovered two AK-47 assault rifles with 115 rounds of ammunition, two pistols with 12 rounds of ammunition, a .38 Special revolver with ammunition, and the getaway vehicle allegedly used in the massacre.

One of the recovered firearms was identified as the weapon stolen from the crime scene.

Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba praised detectives and community members whose information helped secure the arrests and convictions.

"We appreciate the thorough investigative work by our detectives and our community members who tipped us about where the suspects were hiding," said Makoba.

"This is a proof that a strong police and community partnership can go a long way in isolating criminals and creating safer communities."