Life Sentences for Cousins Who Shot the Wrong Person
What Happened in Himeville?
In February 2023, two cousins, Mthokozisi Ngwane (34) and Sanele Mqondisi Ngwane (37), drove to the Himeville area looking for someone they wanted to hurt. By mistake, they shot and killed Nduduzo Ndlovu, who was not their intended target.
How the Police Caught Them
Witnesses Helped
After the shooting, the cousins fled the scene. Witnesses saw the car they were driving and wrote down the licence‑plate number. They gave that information to the police, which led to the cousins’ arrest.
Evidence Found
When the police arrested the men, they recovered two guns. Ballistics tests showed that one of the firearms matched the bullet that killed Ndlovu.
Charges and Convictions
The cousins were found guilty of:
- Murder
- Unlawful possession of a weapon (two counts)
- Unlawful possession of ammunition (two counts)
Sentences Given by the Court
Main Punishment
Each cousin received a life sentence for the murder.
Additional Time
For the weapons charges, they each got 15 years in prison. For the ammunition charges, they each got six years and twelve months.
How the Sentences Work
The judge ordered the sentences to run at the same time (concurrently). That means the longest sentence—the life term—is the actual time they will serve.
What the Court Said About Guns
The judge also ruled that both men are not fit to own firearms in the future.
Reaction from the National Prosecuting Authority
Natasha Ramkisson‑Kara, a spokesperson for the KwaZulu‑Natal National Prosecuting Authority, welcomed the verdict. She said it shows the NPA’s commitment to upholding the law and making sure violent criminals are held accountable.
Conclusion
This case is a sober reminder that mistaken identity can have deadly consequences. The cousins’ attempt to find a specific person ended in the loss of an innocent life, and the courts have responded with the strictest penalty possible—life imprisonment. The outcome reinforces the message that violent crimes will not be tolerated, and those who break the law will face serious consequences.
