Soldier who went on shooting spree in Durban gets life

A SANDF soldier who went on a shooting spree in Inanda and Ntuzuma three years ago has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Thembinkosi Ngcobo left his post in Uppington and drove 12 hours to Durban after hearing rumours that his girlfriend, Nontokozo Mbambo was having an affair. 

Ngcobo opened fire at Mbambo’s home using his work-issued rifle.

 He killed one of her sisters and left another wounded. 

Mbambo and the pairs’ child were not physically harmed. 

A neighbour and police officer were also wounded.

Today, the Durban High Court also sentenced him to a further 170 years in prison for attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a rifle and ammunition.

READ: SANDF gunman in police custody

Judge Shyam Gyanda said Ngcobo failed to prove that he had any compelling circumstances and that he did not believe what he did was a crime of passion as the defence had argued. 

Gyanda said Ngcobo arrogantly believed he was entitled to his girlfriend and felt that his ego was hurt.

The judge said this behaviour where men feel entitled to women and children must change.

He told the court that he was sad about this case as he believed Ngcobo had had an extremely bright future and potential.