Soweto man sentenced to 18 years for contract killings and firearms offenses

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On 20 August 2026, 49-year-old Mbusiseni Ngubane was sentenced to 18 years in the Polokwane High Court for two counts of murder, illegal possession of firearms, and ammunition possession. Ngubane admitted to participating in a 2024 contract killing of Thomas Sydwell Mulaudzi for R80 000 and a separate retaliatory murder of Mukhese Lufuno in the Vhembe District. The investigation revealed that Ngubane, who was on parole at the time of the offenses, had buried the weapons used in the crimes in a shallow grave at his girlfriend's residence. This sentencing is intended to deter violent crime and uphold the rule of law regarding contract killings and illicit firearm circulation.

Consequences

Ngubane is scheduled to testify as a state witness in the upcoming trial of his co-accused, Ntevhedzeni Mamida and Ernest Nevondo. The trial for these co-accused individuals has been postponed until 15 February 2027.

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