KZN mom, daughter handed life sentences for suitcase murders
A mother-daughter duo accused of the so-called suitcase murders has been handed a combined triple life sentence by the Durban High Court.
Forty-three-year-old Slindile Zamisa and her 23-year-old daughter Andile were convicted of killing Simangele Simamane and her child Sbongakonke Mthembu three years ago.
The mother has been handed a double life sentence while her daughter received one life sentence.
KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says Simangele and Sbongakonke's bodies were found stuffed in a suitcase by a community member in KwaDabeka.
Netshiunda says they had multiple injuries and strangulation marks.
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"The owner of the minibus, Sthembiso Lamula, who was a boyfriend to Slindile, was consequently arrested and he pleaded guilty on two counts of accessory to the fact. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the crime.
"The long arm of the law was also able to locate the four fugitives from their hiding spot and were brought to justice. On 25 April 2021, Nomfundo Ngcobo pleaded guilty to one count of murder and was subsequently handed a 20-year prison sentence."
Netshiunda says the case of the fourth accused is continuing.
"The trial for the youngest culprit, 15-year-old Lwandle Ngcobo is still ongoing and she will be in the dock again on Monday, 22 May 2023.
"The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has applauded the investigative work done by the Provincial Crime Investigation Service, saying that convictions of this nature are what the public expects from both the police and the courts.”
