A KwaZulu-Natal mass murderer has been sentenced to seven life terms and 70 years imprisonment for the murders, attempted murders and housebreaking he committed in August 2023.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Siphamandla Dlomo – together with others – orchestrated the killing of nine people following a fallout with one of the complainants in the case.
“Shortly after the fallout, Dlomo planned with others to eradicate the family of the complainant. On 11 August 2023, Dlomo and others armed themselves with firearms and proceeded to the complainant’s homestead at Umlazi Q Section, in search of the complainant. They could not find the complainant as the complainant had fled his home, upon hearing that Dlomo was looking for him.
“Dlomo and the assailants then shot and killed the complainant’s neighbour, as well as other people who were in [the complainant's], before setting the house alight. Dlomo then managed to find the complainant and while a scuffle ensued between them, the complainant managed to escape.
“Dlomo and the others then proceeded to search for others and fatally shot them. The following night, Dlomo returned to Umlazi Q Section and fatally shot two people who were friends of the complainant,” the NPA said in a statement.
Dlomo subsequently handed himself over to police.
He was convicted and sentenced to:
- Seven life terms and 30 years imprisonment for the nine counts of murder.
- Ten years imprisonment for each two counts of attempted murder.
- Fifteen years imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm.
- Five years imprisonment for housebreaking
“The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter. Together with our partners in the crime prevention cluster, we will continue to fight for justice on behalf of the victims of crime,” the prosecutorial body said. – SAnews.gov.za
