Overview

• The Durban High Court is expected to deliver sentence today following Monday’s victim impact statements and pre-sentencing submissions.
• Sabelo Phewa, 34, was convicted in July on five counts, including the murders of Sibusiso Sithole in March 2017 and Amos Ngcobo in June 2017, the attempted murder of Lucky Bongani Ngema, and firearms offences.
• Sithole’s widow and relatives detailed severe psychological, health and financial harm, including their mother’s mild stroke, the separation of Sithole’s children, and the loss of the family breadwinner.
• Prosecutor Nhlanhla Shange argued the killing was a contract hit with no evidence Phewa knew Sithole, sought the harshest sentence with curtailed parole, and emphasized deterrence.
• Phewa, who represented himself, continues to deny guilt and disputes the evidence, while a social worker’s report recommends direct imprisonment.