Sentencing proceedings in Murugan case postponed

Arguments in aggravation and mitigation of sentence began today in the Durban High Court. 

Thuso Thelejane, Mlungisi Ndlovu, Mbali Magwaba and traditional healer, Sibonakaliso Mbili, were convicted of the murder in January. 

The first probation officer, Ncengimpilo Ximba who compiled Thelejane's report told the court that she found the description of Thelejane’s character by his family to be unconvincing when looking at the seriousness of the crime committed.

A second probation officer was unable to stand today to testify on a report they’ve compiled on Ndlovu and Magwaba - citing medical reasons.

Ximba also says she doesn't believe Thelejane was driven by poverty to commit the murder as he comes from a supportive family and was not in need of money.

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During the trial, the court heard that Mbili had promised the teenagers R2-million for the head of a coloured or Indian woman who was not a good person.

While on the stand today, Ximba said Thelejane told her that he hadn't been threatened into participating in the murder, telling the court she believes the teenager did it to please his friends.

Ximba says Thelejane didn't show or express remorse until she asked him if he was sorry about what he had done.

It came out in court that the other two youths, Ndlovu and Magwaba, are disputing some of the contents of the report.

Murugan, who was a sex worker, was found dead at the Shallcross sports ground in 2014. She had been beheaded. 

Her sister, Jennet, earlier testified in aggravation of sentence.