Life, four times, for man who killed sister’s children

Four life sentences for four counts of murder were handed down to Ben Zimele Mbhele, 32, after he pleaded guilty at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg this week.

After a lengthy investigation, Mbhele was arrested at his home in Ncukeni, Port Edward, for killing his sister’s four children.

In September, 2017, three of the children, aged between four and 12, were found inside the house with multiple stab wounds and with their left ears cut off.

The other body was found outside the house with multiple stab wounds.

The children’s body parts were allegedly used for muti purposes by a Durban traditional healer.

Judge Samantha Law said the incident was “inexcusable” and could not be left unpunished.

KwaZulu-Natal acting provincial commissioner Major-General Bheki Langa commended the investigating team for the arrest.

“We will ensure that a well-prepared docket is sent to court so that the accused can be prosecuted for these horrendous acts,” he said at the time of the arrest.

“The cruelty that was displayed during the killings cannot be explained.

“It was vicious, especially as it was committed by a relative who is expected to be the protector of these children.”

Langa welcomed the sentences handed to the accused.

“This will also serve as a warning to other criminals who think they will get away with committing crimes,” he said. – Caxton News Service

We will ensure that a well-prepared docket is sent to court so that the accused can be prosecuted for these horrendous acts.

Major-General Bheki Langa KwaZulu-Natal acting provincial commissioner