A Gqeberha High Court judge sentenced Mzwandile Mahambehlala to eight life terms for killing eight people at a birthday party in KwaZakhele in 2023. The court also imposed additional sentences for firearm and ammunition offences. The sentences will run concurrently.
Acting Judge Mziwonke Samson Dunywa handed down the sentence on 9 July 2026. Mahambehlala, aged 36, was convicted of the execution-style killings of Andile Sishuba, Vusumzi Sishuba, Kholekile Montgomery France, Mbuyiseli Mboya, Nandipha Koliti, Liyema Poro, Nomathamsanqa Adelicia Mandla and Thando Sylvester Fibi.
The attack occurred on 29 January 2023 at a home in Maqanda Street during Vusumzi Sishuba’s birthday celebration. State advocate Velile Makasana described the murders as ruthlessly premeditated and linked to extortion activities tied to local tender businesses.
Judge Dunywa found no substantial and compelling circumstances to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence. Mahambehlala received five years for unlawful possession of a firearm, three years for unlawful possession of ammunition and 10 years for attempted murder. These run concurrently with the life terms.
Victim impact statements detailed lasting trauma for the families. The court noted that most victims were breadwinners and that murder and mass shootings remain prevalent in the area.
