The state has argued for a life sentence to be handed down to the man convicted of the mass murder of eight people at KwaZakhele in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
The High Court heard pre-sentencing arguments on Wednesday ahead of sentencing on Thursday.
Thirty-six-year-old Mzwandile Mahambehlala was convicted on eight counts of murder, one for attempted murder, and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.
The deceased and victims were shot during a birthday celebration in 2023.
The state argued that the attack was premeditated and that Mahambehlala showed no remorse. The state has added that there are no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence.
The state believes this was carefully planned and executed by Mabambehlala. The prosecution has called for a life imprisonment on each of the eight murder convictions to be served concurrently with the possession of ammunition and attempted murder charges.
During pre-sentencing the state read victim impact statements on behalf of the families, describing the lasting emotional, psychological and financial impact of the killings.
A mother of one of the victims, Nonceba Koliti, says she hopes the court will impose appropriate sentence.
“He killed us, that is the day I will never forget, even now I can feel the pain. I know this will not bring Nandile back, but all I want is justice.”
Meanwhile, Mahambehlala’s defence lawyer, Senior Advocate Danie Gouws, argued that his client has no previous convictions, has been in custody since his arrest and is the father of seven children.
Gouws says he maintains that he was not involved in the shooting.
“The accused admitted that it was a gruesome thing that happened on the 23rd of January 2023 in Maqanda Street in New Brighton, but he is saying he wasn’t there. Remember the accused was found guilty on two photo parades and a confession. So, one must respect the judge’s ruling on that, but he is saying that’s wrong and he is going to follow further court processes.”
Judge Samson Dunywa is expected to hand down sentence on Thursday.
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