Three accused were convicted and sentenced by Durban High Court for double murder and house robbery. The accused Siyabonga Xaba (25), Sicelo Matabane (31), and Khulekani Mathonsi (31) were sentenced to two life imprisonment sentences each for murder and 18 years each for house robbery.
On 7 November 2013 at approximately 09:00, police found two bodies of elderly couple at their home in Shongweni Valley. The deceased were identified as Hester Magdalena Noble (68) and John George Morrison Noble (72). One of the deceased was assaulted with a hammer and the other was strangled to death. The victim’s vehicle, household appliances and clothing were also stolen by the suspects. A case of double murder and house robbery was opened at Hillcrest police station. On 10 November 2013 two accused were arrested and on 12 November 2013 the third accused was arrested. All the stolen items were recovered during the investigation. The accused made several court appearances and were denied bail. After making several appearances in court the suspects were subsequently convicted and sentenced.
The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni welcomed the sentence of the accused. “These convictions enhance the community’s trust and confidence in the police. This is important as we rely on them for information on crime and criminals within their neighbourhoods, she said.
