Ex-cops and co-accused sentenced to 17 years for sabotaging KZN murder probe
The Pinetown Regional Court has heard that one of the five accused, a former investigating officer from the Political Killings Task Team, tried to persuade a key witness not to testify in the murder case.
Five people, including two former police officers, have been sentenced to 17 years behind bars for trying to derail a murder investigation.
The case is linked to the 2018 murder of KwaNdengezi Community Policing Forum chairperson Lawrence Nxumalo.
Nxumalo had opposed illegal land sales in the area.
The accused are Bonginkosi Dlamini, Sibongile Khumalo, Felokwakhe Ndlovu, Khephu Ndlovu, and Lindokuhle Mbonambi.
The Pinetown Regional Court has heard that Dlamini, a former investigating from the Political Killings Task Team, had tried to persuade a key witness not to testify in the murder case.
R120,000 bribery plot exposed in attempt to interfere with witness testimony
KZN NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara says evidence revealed that R120,000 was paid in an attempt to interfere with the case.
She says the court also heard that another accused helped conceal the firearm used in the murder.
“The weapon was later recovered from a third party who testified that Mbonambi had asked him to hide it. Despite the interference, the witness ultimately testified, contributing to the successful conviction and life sentence of Felokwakhe Ndlovu and his co-accused in the murder trial,” says Ramkisson-Kara.
Court sends strong message on corruption within law enforcement structures
She adds: "The court sentenced Dlamini, Khumalo, Felokwakhe Ndlovu, and Khephu Ndlovu to 15 years’ imprisonment each for corruption. Mbonambi was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. All five accused received an additional two years’ imprisonment for defeating the administration of justice, resulting in an effective sentence of 17 years’ direct imprisonment each.
"The NPA reiterates that the fight against corruption remains a key organisational priority. This case demonstrates that no individual is above the law, particularly those entrusted with enforcing it. The NPA further commends the cooperation between SAPS and other stakeholders in ensuring accountability and justice."
