Two jailed for murder of co-owner of popular Cape Town restaurant
Two men have been sentenced for their roles in the 2022 murder of Ben Tuzee, co-owner of Dixies Restaurant & Bar in Glencairn.
Tuzee, who was 51 at the time, was fatally stabbed during a hijacking in Browns Farm in Philippi, on 6 September 2022, while he was helping his niece, Kaele Lombard, 33, deliver a television sold through Facebook Marketplace.
Arrested three suspects
Lombard’s car, a Toyota Tazz, was taken, and she was struck several times with a rock.
Locals carried Tuzee to a nearby clinic where he was treated, but he died within an hour of being attacked.
A week after the murder, Nyanga police officers arrested three suspects who subsequently entered into plea agreements with the State following their initial court appearances, and two of the three were sentenced, in the Wynberg Regional Court, to direct imprisonment.
Minor at the time
Zolile Nkombisa, who was 23 at the time of arrest, received a 15-year sentence for aggravated robbery, while Ndiphelele Mtunaye, arrested at 18, was sentenced to 25 years for murder and 15 years for aggravated robbery, with the sentences running concurrently.
According to Advocate Hansie Linde, who held a watching brief for the Lombard family, accused number one, who may not be named as he was a minor at the time of his arrest, turned State witness in exchange to be excused for his role in the crime.
Are SAPS winning – or losing – the battle against crime in South Africa?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.