A 15-year-old boy in South Africa has been sentenced to 43 years in prison for the brutal robbery and murder of Prince Bhekintinta High School principal, Alpheus Mphumuzeni Ntuli. The judgment was delivered by the Nongoma Regional Court following the teen’s conviction for multiple charges, including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and firearm-related offenses.
This happened on April 22 2023 of the previous year when the 61-year-old principal, Ntuli, was reported missing. His disappearance set off a police search, and his lifeless body was discovered days later near a riverbank under a bridge in the Odwaleni area.
Authorities revealed that Ntuli’s body bore multiple wounds and severe bruises, evidence of a violent and fatal assault.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda recounted the events leading to the teenager’s capture. Police first noticed the suspect driving Ntuli’s vehicle along Mkhuze Road as they traveled from Bhanganoma cottages, where Ntuli resided, to the nearby police station.
Upon spotting the officers, the teenager attempted to evade capture by speeding off. A chase ensued, but the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, disappearing into the surrounding area.
The investigation intensified, and officers traced the teenager to his home in the KwaSnqandi area of Toyisa. There, they uncovered a firearm and ammunition that the teen had reportedly stolen from his grandfather. This evidence linked him to the principal’s murder and robbery.
Following his arrest, the teenager appeared in court multiple times, eventually pleading guilty to the charges against him. These included murder, theft of a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and robbery.
On November 21, the court sentenced the teen to 43 years in prison.
