Conviction brings closure in Glebelands hostel murders
Killer sentenced to life plus 34 years in prison
The family of 30-year-old Musawenkosi Msomi, who was killed at the controversial Glebelands hostel in Umlazi last year, got closure when 28-year-old Sanele Nkunzebomvu Thusi was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Pietermaritzburg high court yesterday. Thusi was also sentenced to a total of 34 years in jail for murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition related to another murder case. The hostel, which is home to more than 20,000 people, has been plagued by hit-style murders and was described as a haven for criminals during the Moerane Commission of Inquiry into political violence. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lt-Col Thulani Zwane said on January 14 last year, at about 9.40pm, Msomi was at block M at Glebelands hostel when he was approached by the accused. “He was shot dead and the accused fled the scene. A case of murder was opened at Umlazi police station. “The provincial task team which was investigating the Glebelands hostel killings took over the docket and started their intensive investigation,” said Zwane. Thusi was arrested and was linked to an attempted murder case at Glebelands hostel that was reported in 2017 as well as the killing of Msomi. He was further linked to a 2014 murder case of Miya Mjadu, 37, at KwaDabeka, which had already been withdrawn at the courts because of insufficient evidence. The case was re-opened and the accused was charged and sentenced accordingly. –