Velaphi Ndlangamandla

Case record: Velaphi Ndlangamandla

Background

Velaphi Ndlangamandla, known as the “saloon killer”, was convicted in connection with a five-month reign of terror in Mpumalanga in 1998, during which 19 people were killed. He was 34 years old at sentencing.

The offence

Ndlangamandla was convicted of:

• 19 murder charges
• nine of attempted murder
• six robbery charges
• one attempted robbery charge
• five housebreaking charges: three of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, and two of housebreaking with intent to rob and robbery
• indecent assault
• illegal possession of an arm and ammunition
• pointing a firearm

His five-month killing spree left 19 people dead.

Investigation

A police task team which tracked Ndlangamandla down was to be honoured at a special function in recognition of their efforts. The sentencing report also included police statements appealing to the public to help identify several victims whose murders may have been linked to a pair of alleged serial killers.

In July, police arrested Lazarus Mazikane and Kaizer Motshegwa, both 27, in connection with 51 murders between 1995 and 1998. Police said this may prove to be the country’s worst serial killings. Police later said the body count of the alleged killers may be even higher. Henriette Bester, the police spokeswoman, said some bodies had been found in and near the industrial Nasrec area in southern Johannesburg where most of the first 51 victims were killed. She also said that photos, clothing and identikits of the victims would be made available for possible identification. Of the 51 victims police linked to the suspects, 17 were children and 32 were women, all of whom were raped.

South Africa’s serial-killing context was also described with reference to Cedric Maake, who was sentenced to 1340 years in prison in March for 27 murders he was convicted of committing in and around Johannesburg. Dr. Micki Pistorius, an authority on serial killers and a former profiler with the South African Police Service, was quoted:

“South Africa seems to be second only to the US when it comes to serial killers,” Dr. Micki Pistorius, an authority on serial killers and a former profiler with the South African Police Service, told Reuters. She also said: “I would guess that there are four or five operating in the country at any given time,” she said.

Arrest

Ndlangamandla was arrested by members of the task team at Phoswa village near Piet Retief on September 10, 1998.

Trial

A circuit court judge sitting in Nelspruit (as reported) sentenced Ndlangamandla. The record also states he was sentenced by a circuit court judge sitting here at Piet Retief.

Sentencing

Ndlangamandla was sentenced to a total of 137 years’ imprisonment on Monday, September 2000. The sentencing took place following his conviction on the charges listed.

Provincial police commissioner Eric Nkabinde praised Mpumalanga police for their efforts in investigating the case against Ndlangamandla and was quoted:

“Not only do they deserve the highest form of recognition, for good work done, but they also succeeded in putting Mpumalanga police on the map as a policing community with pride and integrity,” he said.
“To all the criminals out there: this should serve as a warning to stop your criminal activities. You are not going to get away for long.”

Timeline

• September 10, 1998 — Ndlangamandla was arrested by members of the task team at Phoswa village near Piet Retief.
• September 2000 — Ndlangamandla was sentenced to a total of 137 years’ imprisonment.

Outcome

Ndlangamandla was sentenced to 137 years’ imprisonment for the convictions listed.

Other details

Police in July arrested Lazarus Mazikane and Kaizer Motshegwa, both 27, in connection with 51 murders between 1995 and 1998, with police saying the body count linked to the alleged killers may be even higher. The report stated that photos, clothing and identikits of victims would be made available for possible identification.