Man Sentenced to Multiple Life and 15 Years for Murdering Family Members

(The Post News)- The Ladysmith Regional Court sentenced a 48-year-old Michael Buthelezi to four terms of life imprisonment and 15 years imprisonment following his conviction on four counts of murder, arson, and two counts of defeating the ends of justice.

According to Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson for KwaZulu-Natal, Buthelezi’s offenses all relate to incidents that occurred in October 2023 in the Bethany area of Bergville, where he was serving as a ward councillor for the Democratic Alliance (DA) party.

Ramkisson-Kara said that on October 29, 2023, at around 2:00 a.m., a fire broke out at the two-roomed dwelling where Buthelezi and his fiancée, Khombosile Khoza, resided with their three minor children, aged between two and 10 years old. “The family was trapped in the house until the door was kicked down by one of the witnesses who first arrived at the scene. Khoza, as well as two of the children, aged two and eight years old, passed away in the fire,” Ramkisson-Kara said.

She added that Buthelezi and the 10-year-old child walked out of the house; however, the child was put on special medical care and unfortunately succumbed to her injuries later at the hospital.

Buthelezi was placed under police observation while being treated for his injuries, pending investigations. The NPA stated that he was investigated, but provided false information about the incident on two separate occasions, which led to his statements being scrutinized and found to be misleading, resulting in his arrest.

“The NPA welcomes the successful finalization of this matter as it underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence and serious crimes,” she said.

Ramkisson-Kara commended the prosecution team and law enforcement for their implacable pursuit of justice, adding that she hopes this outcome brings some comfort and closure to the families of the victims.