Luyanda Fuzile, the primary suspect in the tragic murder of Sergeant Nameto Molema and the attempted murder of his colleague, Malibongwe Mnani, has recently entered a guilty plea in court. The incident, which occurred in 2021 during a robbery at GR Spices in the Killarney factory zone, has left a lasting impact on the community and the families of the victims.
The Meticulously Planned Crime
The crime was meticulously planned, with Fuzile and his accomplices allegedly scouting the location as early as October 2021. On 26 November, the four men arrived at GR Spices under the guise of seeking employment. Upon being rejected, they brandished 9mm guns and held two employees hostage.
The Chilling Account
Fuzile’s account of the events paints a chilling picture of the lengths the criminals went to in order to ensure their plan’s success. They coerced an employee into revealing the safe code and obtained the money within. As law enforcement officers approached, the robbers attempted to make their escape using two employees as human shields.
The Courageous Response
The bravery of Sergeant Molema and his partner, Malibongwe Mnani, was on full display as they were among the first responders to the scene. Unfortunately, their courageous efforts were met with a hail of gunfire from the desperate criminals. While Mnani suffered a leg injury, Molema was struck in the head, ultimately succumbing to his wound despite being rushed to Milnerton Mediclinic.
The Guilty Plea
While Fuzile has admitted guilt in his participation in the robbery, he maintains he was not the one who pulled the trigger, ending Molema’s life. Nonetheless, his involvement in the heinous crime has led to a series of convictions. Fuzile, a married father of three from Dunoon, who reportedly only completed Grade 9 and has qualifications in plastering, was unemployed at the time of the robbery.
The Sentencing
According to Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, Fuzile’s sentencing is as follows:
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances: 15 years
- Kidnapping: 5 years
- Murder: 25 years
- Attempted murder: 5 years
- Possession of an unlicensed firearm: 15 years
- Possession of ammunition: 2 years
Fuzile will serve a total of 25 years, with the sentences for robbery, kidnapping, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm and ammunition running concurrently with the sentence for murder.
The Legal Proceedings
The three remaining suspects are scheduled to stand trial on 20 October 2023 and will be held in custody until then. As the legal proceedings continue, the community and families affected by this senseless act of violence are left to grapple with the loss of a courageous officer and the repercussions of a crime that has forever changed their lives.
