Zim Duo Given Multiple Life Sentences for Murder, Robbery in South Africa

Johannesburg - Two Zimbabwean nationals have been convicted of multiple murders and violent robberies committed in Johannesburg in October 2023, each sentenced to several life imprisonment terms by the Gauteng Local Division of the High Court in Johannesburg.

Clifford Moyo and Nhlanhla Ncube were found guilty on numerous charges arising from a series of violent crimes that terrorised residents of Troyville and Bertrams.

The pair faced 18 criminal charges, including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and contraventions of South Africa’s immigration laws.

The prosecution presented evidence linking the accused to two separate incidents in which five people lost their lives.

Court proceedings revealed that on October 6, 2023, the accused approached a man in Ascot Street, Bertrams, and fatally shot him.

Two days later, on October 8, the pair allegedly stormed a house in Troyville where they robbed and murdered four victims identified as Esther Nzimande, Bekani Nzimande, Proud Mpofu and Ntombizodwa Mumpande.

The court also heard that the accused robbed several other victims during the violent crime spree.

Moyo was convicted on 14 counts, while Ncube was found guilty on 12 counts.

Delivering judgment, Judge Dario Dosio described the killings as “senseless” and said the accused had shown no remorse for their actions.

Moyo received five life imprisonment sentences, while Ncube was sentenced to three life terms for murder.

The court heard that some of the victims, including elderly individuals in their 80s, were attacked shortly after watching a rugby match.

“With the exception of one deceased, all others were shot in the head,” Judge Dosio noted.

The judge further ruled that the murders were carried out “mercilessly” and motivated purely by greed, observing that both accused were employed at the time of the offences.

One elderly victim, described as frail and ill, was reportedly shot “in cold blood”.

Family members who witnessed the attacks were left severely traumatised.
Judge Dosio said the accused continued to deny responsibility despite overwhelming evidence against them.

“They are dangerous and need to be removed from the community,” he ruled.

The court further emphasised the alarming rise in violent crime in South Africa and underscored the need for severe sentences to deter offenders and restore public confidence in the justice system.

In addition to the life sentences, both men received lengthy prison terms for robbery and firearm-related offences.

However, these sentences will run concurrently with the life imprisonment terms.

The court also declared both men unfit to possess firearms under South Africa’s Firearms Control Act.

During the trial, several survivors positively identified the two.