The Durban High Court has sentenced Thamsanqa Mabaso, Bonginkosi Msomi, Sabelo Biyela and Nkululeko Zuma to various terms of imprisonment for the May 2019 murders and subsequent robbery of two Durban Metro police officers.
Warrant Officer Fanafana Dladla and Constable Sonto Emmilla Mhlangu were part of the security detail provided to a ward councillor in the Bhambayi area of Inanda.
The four men all knew each other and were aware that there were armed officers stationed at the councillor’s house. They decided to rob them of their firearms and planned to use the stolen firearms to commit other crimes in the area, said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara.
“On the day of the incident, they were driven to the vicinity of the councillor’s house by Mabaso. Dladla and Mhlangu were on duty, outside, seated in a marked police vehicle. The men approached them and shot them. They stole Dladla’s firearm and after unsuccessfully looking for Mhlangu’s firearm, they fled the scene” said Ramkisson-Kara.
“The following day they robbed a betting establishment in the Phoenix area. They were subsequently arrested after police received information about their link to the crimes.”
In court, state advocate Bonginkosi (Bonga) Mbokazi, led the evidence of a vehicle tracking device, as well as the evidence of one of the accomplices. Mr Mbokazi also submitted a Victim Impact Statement, compiled by a few of Dladla’s family members; and facilitated by court preparation officer, Thandeka Nadi Mofokeng.
“In the statements the family said that they were not coping with Dladla’s death,” said Mr Mbokazi.
“His wife said that she now frequents doctors for medical reasons and that she has difficulty sleeping. She also said that she is unable to keep up with all the responsibilities that her husband has left behind – Dladla also cared for some orphaned children.”
Ms Ramkisson-Kara said the men were sentenced on Tuesday, September 26, as follows: Mabaso, 34, was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment (one for each of the murders) and 30 years imprisonment, Msomi, 22, and Biyela, 23, were each sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and Zuma, 22, was sentenced to two terms of life (one for each of the murders) and 70 years imprisonment for the other charges, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Zuma was also convicted of attempted murder as he had shot at police officers when they arrested him.
“The NPA welcomes the successful finalisation of this matter. The offences are serious, the like of which will not be tolerated by the courts. We commend the work done by the prosecution, investigating officer and other stakeholders in securing the conviction,” said Ms Ramkisson-Kara.
