Lungani Mthethwa Sentenced to 25 Years for Brutal Murder of Two Women

The families of two murdered friends have finally found some closure after Lungani Mthethwa was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the brutal killings. The Durban Magistrate’s Court handed down the sentence on Monday, 17 March 2025, leaving the victims’ families with mixed emotions but a sense of relief that justice had been served.

Lungani Mthethwa, aged 31, faced several charges including assault, murder, robbery, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He pleaded guilty to all the charges laid against him. The court heard how Mthethwa violently assaulted and then fatally shot Zizipho Gabisa and her close friend Anele Mbokazi. The two young women were discovered dead in Kenville, Durban, in August 2024, sending shockwaves through the local community.

Mthethwa was initially arrested alongside his friend Sandile Chili and two other men. However, after investigations, the two other men were released due to insufficient evidence linking them directly to the crime. As the case unfolded, Chili chose to cooperate with the state and became a key witness. His testimony revealed shocking details about the night of the murders and ultimately implicated Mthethwa as the sole perpetrator.

According to Chili’s statement in court, all of them, including the two victims, were heavily under the influence of alcohol on that tragic night. Chili recounted how Mthethwa alone carried out the attack, leading to the deaths of both Zizipho and Anele. Following Chili’s damning testimony, Mthethwa was left alone in the case and ultimately chose to plead guilty.

In a statement read by his legal representative, Mthethwa admitted to remembering every detail of the horrific night, despite the group being intoxicated. He broke down in tears during sentencing, apologizing to his family, his children, and the families of the deceased. His remorse, however, did little to change the harsh reality of his actions.

Speaking to Daily Sun, Anele’s cousin, Mvuselelo Magwaza, said the family had accepted the sentence. “Nothing was going to bring Zizipho and Anele back, even if he was given life in prison. So, we decided to accept the years handed down to him. Any sentence wouldn’t have made us happy anyway,” Magwaza explained.

The case has left a lasting impact on both families and the local community. It also revealed that Mthethwa is a first-time offender, known for taking care of his three wives, six children, and his mother. Despite his family responsibilities, the brutal nature of his crimes left the court with no choice but to impose a heavy sentence.

The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of alcohol-fueled violence and the devastating impact it has on families and communities. For now, the victims’ families can only hope that the sentence brings them some peace as they continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones.

The case has also sparked conversations around gender-based violence in South Africa, with many calling for harsher penalties for perpetrators of such crimes.