Security boss guilty of workers’ murders

Pietermaritzburg - The owner of a farm security firm was on Tuesday convicted in the KwaZulu-Natal High Court of the murders, at the behest of farmers, of two "troublesome" workers.

Judge Igna Stretch convicted Rudolf Struwig, 51, of the murders, although they were carried out by Lucky Mlangeni, who is serving two life sentences after pleading guilty to the murders two years ago.

Mlangeni testified for the State, stating that Struwig gave him R5 000 to share with two others for fatally wounding Simphiwe Ndlovu near Howick in February 2002.

He was also given R5 000, to share with a man named Rasta, for the murder of Mandla Masango near Balgowan in October 2004.

Mlangeni testified that although he had a licensed firearm, Struwig hired an unlicensed gun for him to use.

He said he and two "colleagues" waited at a farm gate for Ndlovu to arrive, where Ndlovu was wounded. He later died in Pietermaritzburg's Grey's Hospital in June 2004.

Prosecutor Sandra Senekal asked Stretch to impose two life sentences on Struwig. Struwig's bail was cancelled and he remains in custody.

After a trial that has lasted for more than two years, Struwig is expected to be sentenced on Thursday.