File
Police management welcomed the life sentences imposed on two men for the murder of a policeman in Lethlabhile outside Brits in 2017.
Twenty-seven-year-old Surprise Mokoeba and 26-year-old Thabang Maleka were sentenced in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
They were also sentenced to 47 years on two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Police said in a statement that Constable Samuel Hlongwane was shot by two men who accosted him while he was talking to a friend in Lethlabile main road.
The policeman was however able to return fire and wounded one of the suspects who was picked up by a third man driving a get-away car.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Funani said a group of taxi operators who heard what had happened went to the clinic where the wounded suspect was being treated and assaulted him. He was later certified dead.
North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena welcomed the life sentences handed down on the two accused.
