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Following the murder of Glen and Vida Rafferty on 29 August 2020, the couple’s loved ones and various communities have since waited on the outcome of the court proceedings, following the arrest of five suspects.
Then, on 15 November 2022, Newcastillian News reported that one of the accused, Siyabonga Macu, had been shot dead, while two of his co-accused had been sentenced to life imprisonment on the day.
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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has now elaborated on the matter, explaining that the Pietermaritzburg High Court sentenced Doctor Fikane Ngwenya and Sibongiseni Madondo, to life and 21 years imprisonment each, following their conviction on charges of housebreaking with intent to steal, robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of murder.
NPA Regional Spokesperson, Natasha Kara explained, “In August 2020, the men (armed with firearms) broke into the Rafferty’s home while they were out visiting friends. The men stole cellphones, jewellery, a laptop computer, a computer screen, and a DVD recorder. They tried to break into the safes in the house, but were unable to do so.”
Kara said the men then decided to wait for the couple to return, with the intent of having them open the safes.
“On their return, the Raffertys were accosted by the men and a physical confrontation ensued. Both Glen and Vida were shot multiple times and died at the scene. The men also shot Rafferty’s pet dog. Following this, they loaded the stolen items into Rafferty’s car and drove off. They were arrested after a month and a year, respectively.”
Moreover, Kara pointed out that in court, the state represented by Senior State Adv. Attie Truter led evidence, identifying them as the perpetrators.
“In aggravation of sentence, Truter led the testimony of Rafferty’s son who told the court about the day he found his parent’s bodies. He said that he worked on the farm with them but had to sell the farm following their deaths as it was too painful to live on the property. Ngwenya and Madondo were sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for housebreaking, 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and life imprisonment for each of the murders. They were also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” explained Kara.
She further added that the NPA welcomed the sentence and commended the work done by the Prosecution and Investigation teams. “We hope that sentences of this nature will serve as a deterrent to like-minded individuals,” she concluded.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 1
When the state pulls out one of its sharp legal minds to defend a case, it brings relief to society and in turn serves as a powerful deterrent to those who might even think of such actions, such inhuman actions. Farm murders in our beloved town of Newcastle need to be laid to rest. Minister Bheki Cele’s presence at one of the many egagements has borne fruit and we commend the many unrevealed efforts to curb these gruesome acts of violence and drug thirsty zombies, that pollute our nation with addictions. Although lives may never be restored, our norms and standards as a people are upheld through working together with the law enforcement agencies and respecting our judiciary. My heart goes out to the victims and thier loved ones. We are with you.