Three suspects found with stolen property in Mpumalanga
Image via Adobe Stock
Latest: Cop killers get 120 year jail term for shootings
Police top brass have praised the investigation and prosecution team that swiftly brought two cop killers to book with stiff sentences.
Three suspects found with stolen property in Mpumalanga
Image via Adobe Stock
Swift justice has been meted out to a pair of cop killers who collectively were handed jail sentences of 120 years in the Palm Ridge High Court in Johannesburg this week.
Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, said a thorough investigation by the division’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit had led to the handing down of hefty sentences for convicted cop killers, Mthobisi Sambulo Moyo (24) and Msindisi Khumalo (24) in court on Thursday.
“The court has condemned the pair to a collective 120 years jail time after they stood trial in connection with two supermarket armed robbery incidents that took place on 17 January 2018,” Mulamu said.
Cop killers shot on duty policeman during robbery
Mulamu said the incident occurred at a supermarket on the corner of Leyds and Wolmarans roads in Johannesburg. He said SAPS Constable Solomon Malesela, 27, who was attached to the Rapid Rail Police Unit that was patrolling in the vicinity had been fatally wounded along with a bystander during the incident. The suspects had opened fire as they fled the scene with their loot, killing both the policeman and the bystander.
“A thorough investigation by the Hawks led to the swift arrest of Khumalo and Moyo in Lawley and Hillbrow respectively, a week following the incident. Three unlicensed firearms and ammunition were seized during the operation,” Mulamu said.
“The investigators opposed the ruthless killers’ bail bid successfully and they remained in custody until their recent sentencing. They were convicted as charged for two counts of murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition,” he said.
Top praise for the investigation and prosecution team
In a police statement issued on Friday SAPS Major General Ebrahim Kadwa expressed his gratitude to both the investigation and the prosecution teams for working tirelessly to ensure that justice was served for the families of both of the victims.
