Ex-DA councillor gets life for family tragedy — Burned wife and kids alive

DA

Durban — In a harrowing case that has shocked the KwaZulu-Natal community, former Democratic Alliance (DA) PR Councillor Michael Buthelezi was sentenced to four consecutive life imprisonments on Friday by the Ladysmith Regional Court.

The 45-year-old was convicted of murdering his partner, Khombisile Nyoka, 41, and their three children — Lubanzi (12), Zigizemdoda (9), and Sibingele (2) — at their Bergville home in October 2023.

The court also sentenced Buthelezi to an additional 15 years behind bars for two counts of defeating the ends of justice and arson, stemming from the fire he set that claimed the lives of his family members.

According to court proceedings and police reports, Buthelezi deliberately set fire to the two-roomed house where his family was sleeping. The brutal act resulted in the deaths of his partner and children, all of whom were alive when the fire was ignited.

“The now convicted killer miraculously survived that ravaging fire with minor burn wounds and claimed that he was attacked because of his stance in the fight against corruption.

“The Political Killings Task Team took over the investigations but his tune took a dramatic turn when he later accused his partner’s ex-boyfriend of throwing a bomb inside the house,” police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said.

However, thorough investigation and evidence presented in court proved beyond reasonable doubt that Buthelezi was the sole perpetrator.

The case was characterized by meticulous investigation, which ultimately led to the conviction and maximum sentencing.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi praised the investigation team for their professionalism and dedication.

It takes dedication and paying attention to every detail to detect untruths from purported victims and we applaud our investigators for digging out facts and present strong evidence before the court. It is our aim to solve every murder case and sentences of this nature are the expected reward for cases well investigated”, he said.

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