Muzikawukhulelwa Sibiya, one of the individuals accused in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, has been handed a 10-year prison sentence in a separate legal matter. This decision was reached in the Thembisa magistrate’s court, where Sibiya faced charges related to drug dealing and possession of ammunition.
Sibiya’s legal troubles began in May 2020 when he was apprehended and charged with drug-related offences and illegal possession of ammunition. In December of the same year, he was found guilty of drug possession, although he was acquitted of drug dealing charges. Additionally, he was convicted of possessing illegal ammunition.
Sibiya’s Lack of Remorse Raises Concerns
During the sentencing hearing, Sibiya’s defence attorney, Morgan Masegela, appealed to the court to consider specific factors. Among these was the circumstance that the accused’s children were residing with his parents in KwaZulu-Natal, and he financially supported them due to their mothers being unemployed. The defence sought leniency from the court.
ALSO READ: Nadia Nakai Spotted Getting Cozy With Nightclub Boss Joel Booysen
However, the magistrate seemed unimpressed with the defence’s plea. He questioned whether the defense was emphasizing the gravity of the charges without any expression of remorse from the accused. Prosecutor Xolani Khumalo echoed this sentiment, asserting that Sibiya had shown no remorse throughout the trial.
Khumalo emphasized a public outcry for protection and urged the court to send a strong message against wrongdoing. The magistrate acknowledged the defence’s focus on Sibiya being a repeat offender with five children but highlighted the absence of remorse in the accused.
ALSO READ: Meet the Top Achievers of the 2023 Matric Class and Their Secrets to Success
Non-Law Abiding Citizen
According to the magistrate, Sibiya swiftly portrayed himself briefly as a non-law-abiding citizen. He expressed concern that Sibiya posed a danger to society, stating, “But with all due respect, sir, I have the belief that you can change.”
Sibiya was sentenced to five years of direct imprisonment for the drug possession charge. Then, he was given an additional five-year term for illegal possession of ammunition. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. These sentences will run concurrently with his current 12-year sentence. Sibiya has expressed a desire to appeal while awaiting his appearance at the Pretoria High Court on Monday for the Meyiwa trial.