Durban - A 34-year old man was sentenced to life imprisonment in the high court in Durban on Thursday for the March 2014 murder of African National Congress member Sthembiso Biyela, KwaZulu-Natal police said.
Major Thulani Zwane said in addition to the term of life behind bars, Phuzubheke Sikhakhane, 34, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder.
“He was convicted after the judge heard how he attacked an ANC member, Biyela, 33, and his partner at the KwaMashu Men’s Hostel last year,” Zwane said.
Biyela was killed shortly after he defected from the Inkatha Freedom Party to the ANC.
Biyela and his partner Scelokuhle Hlongwa were in their room when they were attacked by the accused on the night of March 30, 2014.
“They were shot and sustained several gunshot wounds on their bodies. Both victims were rushed to a local clinic where Biyela was certified dead,” said Zwane.
Sikhakhane was arrested after a task team was established to track down Biyela’s killer.
ANA