Brothers avoid life sentences for murdering man who owed their mother R100

Two brothers will spend the next ten years behind bars for killing a man over a small debt.

Lubabalo and Ntembeko Dayimani were convicted by the Eastern Cape High Court on October 18 for the 2023 murder of Phelo Fatuse.

The pair were not given a life sentence despite being found guilty of murder, attempted murder, burglary and aggravated robbery.

Mother owed €100

The Dayimani brothers stayed in Reeston, between east London and Mdantsane, where their mother ran a money lending business.

Fatuse lived next door and after being unable to repay a €100 loan he took out from the informal financial service provider, the young men started collecting money.

The victim and his girlfriend were at home on March 18, 2023 when the brothers entered Fatuse’s home and demanded payment.

He did not have enough money on him, but allegedly told the family’s debt collectors that he would go into town to withdraw the money.

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An altercation ensued during which 27-year-old Lubabalo stabbed Fatuse. His girlfriend tried to intervene, and the 32-year-old woman was also stabbed.

The court heard how the 28-year-old victim was stabbed a second time after trying to defend his girlfriend.

“Lubabalo stabbed him again before robbing him of his bank cards, ID and R70 cash, which the couple intended to use for transportation,” confirmed National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali.

The older brother then threatened to kill Fatuse’s girlfriend unless she gave him the PIN code for the bank cards.

“Ntembeko, on the instructions of his older brother, also stabbed Fatuse in the leg and took a mobile phone and charger with him,” Tyali explained.

Sentences to be executed simultaneously

The young men took what they stole at the scene to their mother, while Fatuse died in his home while waiting for medical attention.

The brothers pleaded not guilty, but evidence from the deceased’s girlfriend and statements from neighbors unnerved the court.

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Lubabalo was sentenced to 15 years for Fatuse’s murder, three years for burglary, 10 years for attempted murder and 10 years for aggravated robbery.

Ntembeko, four years younger than his brother, was sentenced to ten years for his role in the incident.

In addition, he received ten years for murder, two for burglary, seven for attempted murder and eight for aggravated robbery. It has not been announced whether their mother will face criminal charges.

The sentences for all charges will run concurrently, meaning Lubabalo and Ntembeko will serve a maximum of 15 years and 10 years in prison respectively.

‘Law will not tolerate cruelty’

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Barry Madolo said the court was committed to holding violent criminals to account.

Citing the premeditated nature of the violence, he opined that the suspect posed a threat to the safety of the community.

“This sentence sends a strong message that the law will not tolerate atrocities motivated by greed or intimidation,” Madolo said.

“We hope it will bring some measure of closure to the family of the deceased and act as a deterrent to others who think they can take the law into their own hands,” he concluded.

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