Durban, KwaZulu-Natal —The Durban High Court sentenced three men to life imprisonment on Friday for the brutal murder of former Verulam mayor Sagadava “Manna” Naidoo. The accused shot Naidoo, 74, in the head on May 24, 2022. Authorities found his body next to a railway track near his home in Canelands.
Details of the Crime
Authorities arrested Sibongiseni Langa, 30, Clement Nkwanyana, 28, and Ignatius Chihoho, 47, and charged them with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a semi-automatic firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The court convicted them on robbery charges and sentenced them to 15 years for the robbery.
During the trial, evidence showed the men planned to rob Naidoo. They intended to kill him for money.On May 24, 2022, Naidoo asked Langa and Basopa to repair a bridge on his farm.While Naidoo worked, Nkwanyana and Chihoho waited nearby. The men planned to strike at the right moment. Then, confronted Naidoo, bound him, and forced him into his farmhouse. They stole items and cash.
The post-mortem report confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head.
Justice Delivered
Following the sentencing, the three men applied for leave to appeal the conviction and sentence, but their application was denied. Former Mayor Naidoo’s daughter, Velash Lombaard, spoke to the POST after the sentencing, expressing her deep gratitude for the justice served.
“I am profoundly grateful for the life imprisonment sentence handed to these criminals. This is a powerful testament to the strength of justice,” Lombaard said. “My dad’s memory will forever be honored by this act of true justice.”
Also, Lombaard praised key officers for keeping the criminals behind bars. He specifically commended Warrant Officer Bob Pillay of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit and Senior State advocate Denardo MacDonald.
See also:Lusikisiki Massacre: Trial for Eight Charged Men Ongoing.
