Trio to appear in court over shooting spree deaths

THREE Kwazulu-natal men, who went on a shooting spree and killed five people, are only set to appear in the Pietermaritzburg High Court next Friday.

Sthembiso Zondi Mbambo, Sipho Wiseman Shange Mchunu, 45, and Siphesihle Gasa Ntombela, 28, were arrested and linked to five murders on August 24, 2019, in Plessislaer, near Pietermaritzburg.

The trio are on trial for the murder of Golden Shange, 60, Thabani Gumede, 29, Nobuhle Zondi, 29, Mzwakhe Mdlalose, 43, and Ayanda Zola Mzekandaba, 25.

Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said the suspects entered a business premises at Emgodini in the Plessislaer policing area.

“At gunpoint, they robbed the cashier before shooting at her. It is alleged that they also shot two other patrons.

“The deceased were identified as Golden Shange, Thabani Gumede and Nobuhle Zondi,” said Mbele.

She said the men continued their shooting spree when they went to a house next to the business premises. Here, they allegedly shot and killed Mzwakhe Mdlalose.

“While the men were fleeing the scene, they shot at a taxi that was driving past. The driver managed to escape unscathed. The taxi was damaged behind the driver’s window.”

Mbele said the men allegedly went to another house at Esigodini. They entered the house and allegedly shot a couple. Ayanda Zola Mzekandaba was declared dead at the scene. Her boyfriend survived the shooting.

Charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery were opened for investigation at Plessislaer Police Station. Mbele said dockets were transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators were arrested.

On the following day, the team arrested Mbambo in the Nqabeni area. During his arrest, he was allegedly found in possession of a pistol, with three rounds of ammunition. The pistol was positively linked to the crimes after ballistic testing.

Mchunu and Ntombela were also placed under arrest and they were linked to the crimes. Mbele said the men were denied bail and remained in custody.

A few months ago, Police Minister Bheki Cele revealed that Plessislaer police station, in Pietermaritzburg, had the highest number of murder cases in the country. He sent a task team and additional police to the area to reduce the crime rate.