Convicted former police officers Nomia Rosemary Ndlovu and Nomsa Mudau have each been sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment in connection with an alleged plot to murder Mudau’s then-husband, Justice Mudau.

The pair appeared before the Kempton Park Regional Court on Wednesday morning, October 14, where the sentences were handed down following months of postponements in the sentencing proceedings.

In handing down the sentences, the magistrate described the matter as serious, noting that both accused were serving police officers at the time of the incident.

The magistrate also noted that neither accused had shown remorse, as both maintained their position that they had not committed murder.

Ndlovu’s 10-year sentence will run concurrently with the sentences she is already serving.

The case relates to allegations that Justice Mudau was targeted in a plot to have him killed.

Sentencing follows months of delays

The sentencing proceedings had been postponed several times while the court awaited a pre-sentence report.

On August 13, the matter was postponed for the report, which had also been outstanding when the accused appeared in court on July 15.

Senior State Prosecutor Riana Williams previously told the court that a social worker had been tasked with preparing the report, but it had not been received.

Also read: Ndlovu and Mudau sentencing postponed to September 15

Williams said she had attempted to contact the social worker without success. The State indicated that it wanted the social worker subpoenaed to appear in court and explain the delay.

The court heard that the social worker had previously indicated that the report would be ready.

Convicted of incitement to commit murder

On May 20, Ndlovu and Mudau were found guilty by the Kempton Park Regional Court on the alternative charge of incitement, instigation, command or procurement of a person to commit murder, in terms of Section 18(2)(b) of the Riotous Assemblies Act 17 of 1956.

They were acquitted of conspiracy to commit murder after the court found insufficient evidence to establish that they had conspired to commit the crime.

During the trial, the State presented evidence from several witnesses, including Justice Mudau and alleged intermediaries who testified about meetings and communications concerning the alleged murder plot.

Also read: Ndlovu and Mudau face sentencing delay in Kempton Park

Mudau testified in her own defence and denied planning to kill her husband. Ndlovu elected not to testify.

‘I believe justice has been served’

Speaking to the Kempton Express previously, Justice Mudau said he believed justice had been served.

“I believe justice has been served and I will finally sleep tonight after eight years of lack of sleep,” he said.