By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg sentenced two brothers to a collective 44 years imprisonment for murder, two counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.
Joseph Scebi Dladla and his sibling, Wiseman Vikizitha Dladla were convicted in January 2021 for fatally shooting Khumbulani Cyprian Luthuli following a fight on 09 November 2019 in Alexandra between Sandile Bhengu and Wiseman.
According to Phindi Mjonondwane Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) the following day, the Dladla brothers embarked on a search party to find Bhengu.
Mjonondwane said the pair came across Luthuli, who was with two other people. They demanded to know where Bhengu was from the three men.
“When they refused to assist, Joseph pulled out a gun and fired several shots at the direction of the three, wounding Luthuli and the other two.
“The other two managed to flee in different directions and survived. Unfortunately, Luthuli succumbed to the gunshot wounds soon after he was admitted at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital,” Mjonondwane said.
The state advocate, Enock Makua argued that the Dladla brothers acted in furtherance of a common purpose in committing these offences and therefore the actions of each of them should be attributed to both.
Makua further said both brothers did not give a good impression to the court and that their alibi, being in different places at the time the offence was committed, should be rejected.
“The two sought to avenge the loss of a fight by Wiseman and went on to arm themselves, which I respectfully submit that proved the motive to kill,” said Makua.
Judge Monama remarked that they both failed to show remremorse, eventer they were convicted, despite the overwhelming evidence led by the state against them.
“The NPA welcomes the sentence,” said Mjonondwane