Banawo jailed for 10 years for plotting to kill police general
The two men who were part of the conspiracy to kill Maj General Slambert are free from prosecution.
Former Dundee police captain Roshanel Banawo, 63, has been sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of conspiring to murder SAPS Umzinyathi head Major General Francis Slambert.
Newcastle Magistrate Ian Colditz also found him unfit to possess a firearm.
The two 204 witnesses, William Dlamini and Sthembiso Mdlalose, who were part of the conspiracy but testified against Banawo for the state, were discharged from prosecution.
A Section 204 witness in South Africa is a person who, under Section 204 of South Africa’s Criminal Procedure Act (Act 51 of 1977) is called to testify against others in exchange for indemnity from prosecution for their own involvement in the same crime. This means they are essentially granted immunity from prosecution for their role in the crime if they testify truthfully and fully.
A police officer for 39 years, Banawo was arrested in November 2023 when the plot against Slambert became evident.
Slambert survived at least two assassination attempts on her life between May and August 2023.
“Banawo, who was dismissed by the SAPS around 2019, after he was found with drugs at his home, was running a criminal cartel and attempted to capture Major General Slambert. As a commander dedicated to her work, Major General Slambert refused to be captured and Banawo ordered two hitmen to kill her,” said SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
