Reggae star's killers get life in jail
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The 43-year-old singer was gunned down in his car in front of his children in suburban Johannesburg. "The accused showed no mercy for the deceased," Judge Seun Moshidi said. "It is difficult for the court to extend any mercy today."
Sifiso Mhlanga, Mbuti Mabe and Julius Gxowa were convicted earlier this week for killing the singer. Hours before the verdict was announced, Mabe and Mhlanga assaulted police officers in a foiled bid to escape from the court.
Thokozani Dube, who was in the car when his father was shot, broke into tears as the sentences were announced and was comforted by his mother. "I'm satisfied... I have closure," he later said outside the court. Lucky Dube, who launched his career in the 1980s with criticism of the apartheid regime, went on to become an international star, recording more than 20 albums and sharing the stage with the likes of Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel and Sting.
Thuthukani Cele, a keyboardist who worked with Lucky Dube for 24 years, said: "I'm happy with the ruling even though it will never bring him back." He vowed to keep Dube's spirit alive, saying: "We owe it to Lucky and the world... We just wanted to finish this before we open a new chapter."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments