Two Evaton men have been handed life sentences after being convicted of murdering three people and attempting to kill a fourth during a violent attack linked to a dispute over alleged stolen drugs and a firearm.
The Sebokeng Regional Court sentenced Patrick Mphindeli Mkhwanazi (39) and William Mbuyiswa (29) to three life terms each for murder, in addition to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for attempted murder.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the attack took place during the early hours of 22 February 2023 when the two accused arrived at one of the victims’ homes in Evaton looking for four men they believed had stolen Mkhwanazi’s drugs and firearm.
Mahanjana said an argument erupted after the pair confronted the men.
“They then had an altercation with them, accusing the four men of stealing Mkhwanazi’s drugs and firearms,” she said.
The confrontation quickly turned deadly, with the accused attacking the victims using pangas and other unidentified weapons. Three of the men died at the scene, while a fourth survived with injuries.
Neighbours who heard the commotion alerted police, who arrived at the scene and arrested both suspects. The injured victim was transported to hospital for medical treatment.
Both accused remained behind bars throughout the trial after the State successfully opposed their bail applications.
During the proceedings, Mkhwanazi and Mbuyiswa pleaded not guilty and denied any involvement in the killings. However, State Prosecutor Vusi Mbabane presented evidence that convinced the court of their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In delivering sentence, the court imposed life imprisonment on each of the three murder counts and a further 15-year prison term for attempted murder.
The NPA welcomed the outcome, saying the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes and demonstrates the justice system’s commitment to holding violent offenders accountable.
The convictions bring to an end a case that shocked the Evaton community, where three lives were lost in an attack described as both brutal and senseless.
