A police officer who was arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for shooting at four people and killing one has been sentenced to 68 years’ imprisonment.

Warrant Officer Ronny Doko was sentenced yesterday, after being found guilty on three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

According to IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping, Doko, who was stationed at Umtata VIP Protection Services, shot at four people over a land dispute in Nontshinga in Centane in the Eastern Cape.

“The dispute was over a piece of land, where a church started building a hall. The land was previously [lent] to Doko. Doko shot and killed his pastor, a church leader and traditional leader,” says Shuping.

He says the incident was reported to IPID for investigation and a docket was handed to the senior prosecutor after investigation.

“Doko was charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He was sentenced to 20 years for each count of murder and eight years for attempted murder of the fourth person.

“The sentences were, however, ordered to run concurrently by the High Court of South Africa: Eastern Cape, sitting in Butterworth. He will effectively serve 20 years imprisonment,” says Shuping.

The IPID has commended the investigating team and the prosecutors who ensured justice for the victims.