The Durban High Court sentenced a man to life imprisonment on Friday, for killing a police officer in the Folweni area in Durban, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as the Hawks) said.
Spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said 29-year-old Mfanafuthi Ngidi and 23-year-old Mzwandile Ngidi were convicted and sentenced for the murder and robbery of Constable Sphesihle Joseph Chiliza.
“On 28 February 2017, at about 4 am, Constable Chiliza who was stationed at King Shaka International Airport was on his way to work. He was dressed in full uniform and in possession of his service pistol. Whilst waiting for transport at the bus stop, he was attacked and fatally shot by the accused,” Mhlongo said.
“They then robbed him of his service pistol and two fully loaded magazines. A case of murder was reported at Folweni Police Station and the docket was transferred to Durban Organised Crime Hawks members for intensive investigation.”
Mhlongo said the two men were arrested three weeks later and Chiliza’s service pistol was recovered.
The court sentenced Mzwandile Ngidi to life imprisonment for murder, fifteen years for armed robbery, fifteen years for illegal possession of a firearm and five years for possession of ammunition. His sentences will run concurrently.
Mfanafuthi Ngidi was sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment for armed robbery.
– African News Agency (ANA)
