Killer of albino sentenced to life

THE COMMISSION for Gender Equality has welcomed the sentencing of the mastermind behind the killing of Thandazile Mpunzi, 20, an albino woman who was killed for “muti purposes”.

On Thursday Judge Themba Sishi, who presided over the matter at the Mtubatuba High Court in northern KwaZulu-Natal, sentenced Bhekufufa Gumede to life in prison. Gumede is a leader of the Zion Congregation Church.

Commission for Gender Equality spokesperson Javu Baloyi said the sentence would serve as a lesson to criminals. The sentence would also help to dispel the myths that exist in society about people with albinism.

“The commission believes that the sentencing to life of Bhekufufa Gumede, a leader of the Zion Congregation Church and the chief mastermind of Mpunzi’s killing, will send a strong message that killing of people with albinism will not be tolerated by our judicial system,” said Baloyi.

The commission said it also welcomed the earlier sentencing of Gumede’s accomplices, Mandla Mabuza and Lindokuhle Khumalo, who were both sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Siyabonga Gwala will serve 18 years in jail. “The Commission for Gender Equality commends all in the justice system who worked tirelessly to ensure that justice is done for the late Thandazile Mpunzi and her family,” said Thoko Mpumlwana, acting Commission for Gender Equality chairperson.

“The long-term prison sentences handed down for kidnapping and killing will send a clear message that killing of people with albinism will not be tolerated in our society.” – ANA