SA: Life sentence for Lucky Dube killers

  1. Posted on Friday 3 April 2009 - 15:15
    Sam Banda Junior
    Image of Sam Banda Junior
    Sam Banda Junior, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
    A South African court on Thursday slapped three people who killed reggae artist Lucky Dube to life imprisonment. They are Sfiso Mhlanga, Ludwa Gxowa and Mbuti Mabe. Justice Seun Moshidi sentenced Mhlanga to life imprisonment plus 25 years and Gxowa had a life term plus 23 years, local media said.
    Lucky Dube
    Mabe also received a life sentence plus 33 years. The trial judge said that the three men’s beastly act has deprived society of an icon. The judge noted that Dube lost his life at the age of 43 in a senseless, callous and unnecessary attempted robbery. He added that culprits showed no mercy to the deceased.

    The three people are said to have killed the reggae maestro in a carjacking spree in October 2007. An Sabcnews.com report quoted the judge not ordering that the terms be served concurrently.

    According to the report, Mhlanga and Gxowa were given life sentences for the murder of Dube and two cases of hijacking while Mabe was sentenced for the murder and three hijackings.

    During the hearing the defense team is said to have conceded that there were no substantial circumstances to justify a lesser sentence. The three men were found guilty on Dube’s killing on Tuesday before the sentence.

    Family members of Dube were relieved that justice had finally taken its course. Meanwhile, one of the members of Dube’s band has said they will continue spreading the message of peace which the musician longed for.

    Dube won the hearts of many with his reggae music across the world. He is said to have won about 20 different awards and his first album “Rastas Never Die” sold more copies

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