Three years since Durban axe murderer sentenced to life
It's been exactly three years since former pro rugby player, Joseph Ntshongwana - convicted of four murders and rape - was sentenced to five life terms.
Ntshongwana was sentenced to the life sentences on 19 December 2014 in the Durban High Court.
After a long drawn-out trial, the former sportsman was found guilty of four counts of murder, two of attempted murder, one of kidnapping, one of rape, and one of assault.
He quickly became known as the axe man, and axe murderer.
The attacks dated back to 2011 - committed in areas south of Durban including Montclair, Lamontville, Umbilo and in Yellowwood Park.
It was a series of attacks that shocked Durban communities - as police worked tirelessly to piece the puzzle together.
The wife of a victim, Pearl Fikile Mkhwanazi told journalists when the guilty verdict was read on 26 September - she'll finally be able to find closure. The trial had spanned almost four years.
His defence lawyers argued that he was suffering from severe mental illness; however presiding Judge, Irfaan Khalil at the time dismissed these arguments in court saying the murders were carried out with intention, given the circumstances and brutality of the attacks.
On the 22nd of September 2015, Ntshongwana's application for leave to appeal the judgment was dismissed.