One of two men accused of terrorising Glebelands Hostel residents with violence and murder will spend 25 years in prison, police said on Thursday.

Mawethu Maquthu, 31, was sentenced in the Durban Regional Court on Tuesday. His co-accused Sthembiso Mbanjwa, 43, will spend five years in prison.

Maquthu was found guilty of murder, attempted murder, illegal possession of ammunition and firearms and theft. Mbanjwa was found guilty of attempted murder.

Their sentencing follows a trial where the court heard how they killed and maimed residents at the Glebelands Hostel in June 2017.

Shared blame

Msizi Makhoba, 25, was among their victims. He was in his hostel residence when he was shot and killed after Maquthu said he was being noisy.

"He sustained a gunshot wound to the head and he later died in hospital. His 27-year-old friend was also shot on his leg during the shooting," police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said.

Maquthu and Mbanjwa shared blame for the June 9, 2017 shooting of another man at the hostel.

Gwala said that during his arrest following the shooting, Maquthu was also found in possession of a stolen vehicle.

"The vehicle was stolen in the Umbilo area on 23 April, 2017. He was also found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition."