Lynn Williams
A Gqeberha man who murdered a police officer walked down to the holding cells of the high court a happy man after he was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and an additional 67 years on other accompanying charges.
"Hey, I feel glad man. Yes, it's alright," Andile Nyoka told Algoa FM News on Friday, mere moments after his sentence.
The court ruled that on the life sentence for murder, Nyoka would first have to serve a full 30 years of the sentence, before he can apply for parole.
Nyoka, 27, murdered Sergeant Mario Nel, 42, at the Motherwell Magistrates Court on 3 May last year.
He attacked Nel from behind and snatched his service pistol from his holster while Nel was pinning the court roll for the day onto a notice board.
Nel wrestled Nyoka to regain possession of his firearm and in the process, was shot in his head.
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After Nyoka left the court with Nel's firearm he hijacked a taxi driver who had passengers in the vehicle and then engaged in a wild shootout with police.
His reign of terror came to an abrupt end in Sisulu Street in Motherwell, when two police officers returned fire and wounded him in the process.
During sentencing, Judge Fungile Dotwana said it was clear that Nyoka had no reason to be at court that day, other than to rob one of the officers of a firearm.
Dotwana mentioned that Nyoka "proudly" and "boldly" told the court that he was a member of the 26 Gang, hence the identifiable tattoo marks on his shoulders.
He also said Nyoka made a dramatic display of his strength and power by killing Nel with a single bullet.
"He was not interested in the cell phone lying next to the deceased.
"As he left the court he was now trigger-happy and bloodthirsty.
"Whoever stood in his way would be pointed with that gun."
Also read: GQ man found guilty of fatally shooting Sergeant Mario Nel
Dotwana said Nyoka showed no fear of the police, as evidenced by his utterance that he would shoot the police "until they shit."
The court slammed Nyoka's conduct, which it believes made a mockery of the justice system.
"By creating chaos and pandemonium in the court, he brought the whole administration of justice into disrepute.
"Everything came to a standstill when a house of justice was turned into a crime scene and had to be cordoned off."
Dotwana said justice could not be meted out on that day because "the boss of the place had spoken."
He emphasized that crimes of such a nature could no longer be tolerated and that appropriate sentences should be given, otherwise, the public's confidence in the courts will be lost.
Speaking on behalf of Nel's family, his younger brother, Luzaan, said they were pleased with the sentence, in particular the fact that Nyoka would first have to serve 30 years before he can apply for parole.
"Nothing will ever take the pain away and we will never get him back, but we can now slowly begin to move on with our lives.
"We still miss him, every single day."
Nel's widow, Ammarentia, echoed Luzaan's sentiment.
She said her husband stood for justice and justice had now finally been served.
A breakdown of the sentence:
* Murder: Life imprisonment. Nyoka will have to serve 30 years before he can apply for parole.
* Robbery with aggravating circumstances: 15 years
* Kidnapping (two counts): 5 years
* Attempted murder on two police officers (two counts): 10 years
* Attempted murder of a civilian (the taxi driver): 7 years
*The unlawful possession of a firearm" 15 years
* The unlawful possession of ammunition: 5 years
* Possession of a firearm with the intent to commit a crime: 10 years
The State was represented by Advocate Dail Andrews and the accused by Advocate Jodene Coertzen of Legal Aid SA.
