BHEKI Nkosi, one of the four men accused of murdering Edleen EMPD officer Martiens Bann during an armed robbery, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

The second accused, Clement Mosweu, will spend 25 years in prison for the armed robbery and murder. The other two, Lebogang Mdebele and Paul Manyathela, will each spend 20 years behind bars.

Judge Windell sentenced the four men at Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday morning.

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The four shot and killed Bann on July 11 last year while Bann attempted to help his neighbours, Frikkie and Adele Botha, during an armed robbery at their Flamboyant Avenue home in Edleen.

They were each convicted on four counts: robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, unlawful possession of a firearm as well as the unlawful possession of ammunition.

For the robbery, they each were sentenced to 15 years in jail. The judge also gave them an additional three years for the unlawful possession of a firearm and two years for the unlawful possession of ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently.

Judge Windell said although it was unclear who fired the bullet that killed Bann, it still did not take away from the fact that all the accused were involved in the incident which led to the death of an innocent human being.

“Sentencing is one of most difficult tasks for a court to do. When sentencing is done, it is not done lightly. It is a difficult task. I have to apply my mind and don’t sleep over such matters,” Judge Windell told the courtroom.

She therefore considered each of the accused’s personal circumstances, childhood, lifestyles as well as their behaviour and attitude during the robbery and afterwards.

“After considering each individual’s personal circumstances, I feel the imposed sentences are fair and the punishment given is justified,” Judge Windell concluded.

Bann’s wife, Engela, said she was pleased with the outcome and was glad it is finally over.