The Carolina Magistrate's Court
The Carolina Regional Court has sentenced brothers Gima Mavimbela (35) and Bhutini Mavimbela (31) to life imprisonment plus an additional 18 years each for the brutal murder of Muzi Mzimela. The duo was sentenced on September 12.
According to Monica Nyuswa, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority, the two brothers were convicted on multiple charges, including murder, two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and attempted murder.
The crimes occurred on September 4 at eManzana (formerly known as Badplaas), during a traditional ceremony hosted by the deceased. An altercation began after a drink belonging to Bhutini was accidentally spilled.
“The accused reacted violently, stabbing Mzimela multiple times. They also attacked two other attendees with knives and bottles, leaving one victim with facial injuries. Police were called to the scene, and both accused were arrested and later denied bail,” Nyuswa said.
Nyuswa also stated that the accused pleaded not guilty in court, claiming self-defense.
However, State Prosecutor Makhosonke Mashinini presented compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimony, J88 medical reports of the injured survivors, and a postmortem report confirming that Mzimela died from multiple stab wounds.
The court found the state’s case credible and convicted the accused as charged.
“In aggravation of the sentence, Mashinini presented Victim Impact Statements (VIS) highlighting the severe physical and psychological trauma endured by the survivors,” Nyuswa explained. “He emphasized the accused’s lack of remorse and the fact that the deceased was murdered in the safety of his own home, while others were injured without provocation. He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence.”
She added that the court found no compelling circumstances to deviate from the prescribed minimum. Each accused received the following sentences:
Life imprisonment for murder
Four years of imprisonment on each count of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
10 years of imprisonment for attempted murder
The sentences for the lesser counts will run concurrently with the life sentence. Both men were also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
