Musgrave fatal robbery: Durban domestic worker was 'considered family'
The Durban High Court has heard a domestic worker said to have masterminded a robbery at her employer's home two years ago - was considered a trusted family member.
Fifty-five-year-old Shakila Singh was killed was during the robbery at her Musgrave home.
Her helper, Nonjabulo Mteki is said to have planned the house robbery with her then boyfriend, who hired two men to carry out the crime.
Mteki and the two men, Amon Ngongi and Ally Jumah Abdullah were arrested shortly after the murder.
Earlier this year, Mteki was acquitted of Singh’s murder but was found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances. Ngongi and Abdullah were convicted of murder.
Arguing in mitigation of sentence, Mteki’s attorney, Nhlanhla Mnculwane told the court that she was driven by the temptation of money.
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Mnculwane told the court to consider that Mteki never intended for Singh to be killed as it was not part of the plan.
In a probation officer's report, it was revealed that Singh took Mteki in and employed her after she fell pregnant while in matric. The report says Singh was caring and compassionate towards Mteki and even payed her child's school fees.
Arguing in aggravation of sentence, State Prosecutor Vasi Chetty said Mteki had abused and taken advantage of Singh's trust, adding she and her co-accused had shown no remorse for their actions.
Chetty said Singh provided for Mteki's children but her own sons have been left distraught by her murder and have left the country.