Killer cop found guilty of murder

One of the three police officers who was accused of shooting and killing a fleeing suspect execution-style in Lewisham last year has been found guilty of murder in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court in Johannesburg.

Read the initial article here: One dead as police return fire

The magistrate ruled that Titus Mabela unlawfully shot Khulekani Mpanza while he was lying unarmed and wounded on the ground on 19 October 2015.

A video was made public by the News just after the murder occurred. The video shows four officers chasing a possible armed suspect. One of the officers fired a shot and wounded the suspect. The suspect fell to the ground and his firearm landed approximately one metre away from him.

The video clearly shows that the suspect was unable to retrieve the firearm and thus no longer posed a threat to the officers. Nevertheless, one of the officers approached the suspect and kicked him.

Another officer then approached the suspect, who was lying on the pavement, and shot him in the head. A stream of blood flowed from the gunshot wound and it was clear that the motionless suspect was dead.

The video went viral and sparked rumours of police brutality and the officers were arrested shortly thereafter.

“Thorough investigation of the CCTV footage of the event proves that Mabela (accused number one) murdered Mpanza,” said Magistrate Francois van der Westhuizen during the judgment.

Puleng Sebetwa, accused number two, was found guilty of assault because she kicked Mpanza who was not able to fight back.

Jason Segole, accused number three, was acquitted on all charges because he only kicked the suspect’s firearm away from him and did not approach him or assault him.

Their sentences are yet to be announced.

See initial video:

Related articles:

• Mpanza killing: one officer released on bail

• Cops hand themselves over

• Krugersdorp police’s station commander suspended

• Suspect lies in pool of blood after ‘execution’