Durban - Two brothers from KwaDukuza are to spend the rest of their lives in jail for killing their friend for R3 000.
Durban High Court Judge Johan Ploos van Amstel on Thursday said the people Kuyabongeka Sphephelo Mhlongo regarded as friends turned on him and left him to die.
“They drove his car (a Toyota Tazz), to Mthunzini and sold it for R3 000,” said the judge.
Sanele Lindokuhle Yimba, 21, and his 30-year-old brother Khulekani Thobani Yimba were friends with Mhlongo and lived in the same area.
The judge found both men guilty on Wednesday, and on Thursday sentenced each to 15 years in jail for the robbery and life imprisonment for Mhlongo’s murder. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Khulekani claimed their friend, Bongani Qiniso Gumede, who had turned State witness, had approached him asking him if he could get a buyer for a BMW he had hidden in the sugarcane fields.
When Khulekani agreed, Gumede allegedly said he had arranged for a car to take them there and was surprised to see Mhlongo arrive to give them a lift. He claimed it was Gumede who told them Mhlongo must be killed. He said he fired a shot at Mhlongo but the gun did not work so Gumede allegedly took out a knife and stabbed Mhlongo.
He said they left Mhlongo and drove the Tazz to Mthunzini where the brothers apparently learnt there was no BMW, but a buyer waiting for the Tazz. It was sold for R3 000.
The State alleged the brothers conspired to rob Mhlongo of his car and kill him.
On August 8, 2014, they contacted Mhlongo and asked him to transport them to Mthunzini and he agreed.
Sanele asked Mhlongo to stop so he could urinate. The three of them got out, produced a gun and ordered Mhlongo out the car.