The Gqeberha High Court is expected to deliver sentencing for Mzwandile Mahambehlala, who was convicted of multiple charges linked to the deadly 2023 KwaZakhele mass shooting that claimed eight lives.
Mahambehlala was found guilty on 11 of the 13 charges brought against him.
He was convicted on eight counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition.
Mahambehlala was acquitted on two counts of attempted murder after the witnesses in those matters declined to testify.
The convictions relate to a mass shooting that took place on 29 January 2023 in Maqanda Street, KwaZakhele, where Vusumzi Sishuba was celebrating his birthday with family and friends.
According to police, Vusumzi’s brother, Andile Sishuba, had arrived from East London at around 5:40pm. About 15 minutes later, two-armed men approached from the direction of Andile’s home. When Andile confronted them to ask what they wanted, the suspects allegedly drew firearms and opened fire on the gathering.
The attack left eight people dead and three others injured.
Police said a specialised task team comprising members of the Provincial Head Office Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit and the Gqeberha Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit was established to investigate the case.
Mahambehlala was arrested on 2 February 2023 after police acted on a tip-off that led them to a block of flats in Walmer, where he was found hiding. He has remained behind bars since his arrest.
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