Four life sentences for counts of murder were handed down to Ben Zimele Mbhele (32) after he pleaded guilty to all counts at the Pietermaritzburg High Court today.

After a lengthy investigation, Mbhele was arrested at his home in Ncukeni, Port Edward, for killing four minors, said to be his sister’s children. Three of the minors, aged between four and 12, were found lying inside the house with multiple stab wounds to their chests, and bodies, and their left ears cut off, in September 2017.

The other body was found lying outside the house with multiple stab wounds.  The children were alone at the time of the attack.

The body parts were allegedly used for muthi purposes by a Durban traditional healer.

Judge Samantha Law said the incident was “inexcusable” and could not be left unpunished.

During time of investigation , KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, commended the investigating team for the arrest.

“We will ensure that a well-prepared docket is sent to court so that the accused can be prosecuted for these horrendous acts. The cruelty that was displayed during the killing cannot be explained as it was too vicious especially as it was committed by a relative who is expected to be the protector to these children,” he said.

Langa further welcomed the sentence handed to the accused. “This sentence will also serve as a warning to other criminals who think they will get away after committing crimes. We hope this sentence will bring closure to the family,” he said.