GQEBERHA – The sentencing proceedings of Mzwandile Mahambehlala, a murder accused, are underway at the Gqeberha High Court today, 8 July, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape confirms.

According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, Mahambehlala was found guilty on 11 of the 13 charges preferred against him, including eight counts of murder, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition and one count of attempted murder.

“He was acquitted on two counts of attempted murder after the witnesses in those charges declined to testify,” she said. “The accused was arraigned before Judge Dunywa AJ, with the State leading the prosecution.”

Gantana added that the conviction stems from the tragic mass shooting that occurred on 29 January 2023 in Maqanda Street in KwaZakhele.

“Vusumzi Sishuba was celebrating his birthday with family and friends when his brother, Andile Sishuba, arrived from KuGompo City at approximately 17:40,” she said. “Within 15 minutes, two armed males approached from the direction of Andile’s house.”

Gantana further stated that when Andile confronted them to enquire about their business, they drew firearms and opened fire on the gathering.

“The attack claimed eight lives and left three others injured.”

She added that a specialised task team comprising members of the Provincial Head Office Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit (PHO SVCI) and the Gqeberha Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit (Gqeberha SVCI) was established to investigate the case.

“Mahambehlala was arrested on 2 February 2023 following a tip-off that led police to a block of flats in Walmer, where he was found hiding,” she said. “He has remained in custody since his arrest.”

Gantana added that the court is expected to pronounce the appropriate sentence today.

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