Five men convicted of Glebelands hostel mass shooting handed eight life sentences each

DURBAN - The five men convicted of the June 2023 Glebelands hostel mass killing have been handed eight life sentences each in the Durban High Court. 

The group which was part of the housing committee at the hostel shot and killed eight people with the intent to extort them. 

The court found that they planned the murders and carried them out execution style with no disregard of human life.  

Judge Mokgere Masipa sentenced them to an additional 15 years each for firearm related charges. 

The sentences from count one to eight shall run concurrently, meaning the effective sentence is life imprisonment, additionally counts 14 and 15 are to run concurrently with those in counts one to eight.

“The crimes took place in a hostel community where many vulnerable individuals reside, exacerbating the societal impact of these offences. The accused have shown no remorse further underscoring their lack of rehabilitation potential.”

Masipa added: “The presence of criminals in these hostels has significantly damaged their image and negatively impacted the law-abiding residents.”

She cited the fact that all victims in this case were killed while at what was meant to be the comfort of their homes.  

Judge Masipa said not only has this instilled fear but also caused discrimination for hostel dwellers. 

“Criminals elements operating within hostels create an environment of fear, deter investment and infrastructure and contributes to the stigmatisation of all hostel dwellers. This has resulted in hostels being unfairly labelled as crime riddled spaces, despite the majority being hard working individuals seeking a better life.” 

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority in KwaZulu-Natal has welcomed the successful prosecution