Thirty-one-year-old Present Sibuyi has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment after he killed a victim believing they were recipients of a Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout. 

Sibuyi was convicted on charges of the murder of Nonwell Nkuna, 33, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, possession of a prohibited firearm, and possession of ammunition. 

The court heard on January 6, 2025, that Sibuyi and an unknown accomplice followed the deceased and others after they left the Mbube Tavern in Buyinsonto, Buschbuckridge. 

When the victims stopped their vehicle on the roadside, Sibuyi ambushed them at gunpoint and forced himself into their vehicle, and instructions were given to drive to a secluded location. 

The court further heard that during the crime, Sibuyi accused one of the victims of having received a RAF payout, and he robbed the group of a cell phone and R1,800 in cash. He fired multiple shots at them, resulting in Nkuna being wounded. Nkuna died on the scene from gunshot wounds to the head and hands. 

Sibuyi entered into a Section 105A plea and sentencing agreement with the State. He admitted his actions were unlawful. 

State Prosecutor Advocate Fedile Tsotetsi argued that the murder was premeditated and committed violently without any provocation. 

The court accepted the plea agreement and imposed the sentence agreed upon. 

The Court further declared Sibuyi unfit to possess a firearm. 

The spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Monica Nyuswa, said it remains committed to ensuring perpetrators of violent crimes face the full might of the law and that justice is served for victims and their families.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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