Killer tells how teen was slain

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Published Nov 19, 2014

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Durban - A Kwamashu man testified how, on returning drunk from a night out at a tavern, he murdered an 18-year-old teenager, stole his Converse All Star shoes, and then raped the boy’s female companion.

Thulani Mlungisi Khanyile, 22, pleaded guilty to murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and rape at the Durban High Court on Tuesday.

In his plea submitted in an affidavit, Khanyile told the court how in the early hours of October 27 last year, in KwaMashu, he and a friend came across teenager Delyn Emelio Louw, who was with a female companion (she cannot be named to protect her identity).

Khanyile, who only knew his friend as “MJ”, said they were consuming alcohol earlier that night at a tavern in the area.

As they were walking they came across Louw and the female. He then described how the murder took place.

“MJ suggested to me that we rob them. We then approached them and I went to the male. He went to the female. I grabbed him (Louw) by the hand. He pushed me and punched me in the face. A scuffle broke out,” Khanyile said.

“While this was happening MJ was taking the woman’s wristwatch. When I realised I was being overpowered I took out a knife and stabbed Louw more than once in the chest. He fell to the ground. I then stole his All Star shoes and cellphone,” he said.

Judge Shayam Gyanda then heard what the pair did next.

Khanyile said: “MJ instructed the female to come with us to an abandoned shack. We then took turns to rape her - once each. After that, we ordered her to leave. We took a different footpath and left.”

Khanyile added that they ended up at a nearby taxi rank where they sold the phone for whoonga and dagga.

Dressed in a green T-shirt and a huge scar running from the front to the middle of his clean-shaven head, he claimed that he realised his actions were wrong and unlawful.

He also acknowledged that by stabbing Louw he knew he could die.

He also said he was remorseful for his actions and that Louw had died.

Prosecutor Cheryl Naidu asked for the matter to be adjourned to later this month for Khanyile to be sentenced. She also confirmed that police investigations could not reveal if any “MJ” exists.

Speaking after the guilty plea, Louw’s father, Denzil Goliath of Newlands East, told the Daily News the family were slowly trying to get to grips with the loss of his son and warned teenagers about the concern that their parents feel when they leave home at night with friends.

“His mom still talks about him a lot and it is something that we are coming to grips with. I would like to warn teenagers not to roam late at night especially in areas they are unfamiliar with,” Goliath said.

“We won’t be able to bring Delyn back, but our family hopes that by going to church frequently, that will help in the healing process. I am prepared to forgive him if he asks the court to do so. However, justice must be served when he is sentenced.”

Daily News

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