Police top brass have welcomed the life sentences imposed on five Eastern Cape men who killed an off-duty policeman in Cala in 2016.
“Safety of our members when executing their duties is at the heart of the SAPS’s strategic imperatives,” said Police Minister, Bheki Cele.
The head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya has congratulated the investigating and the prosecutorial teams for the achievement.
Masithembele Mbali (39), Simphiwe Mkheselele (35) and Cingile Jamda (35), Nceba Gcanga (34) and Xolisile Maawu (34) were sentenced on Thursday by the Lady Frere High court to Life imprisonment for the June 2016 murder of Constable Joshua Vincent Gungqa (43).
Gungqa was shot and killed on 17th of June 2016 when a group of seven armed men stormed into Spar in Cala.
He was killed while struggling with the men who were trying to disarm.
Two suspects were also killed during a shootout between Spar’s security guards and the criminals.
