The Dundee Regional Court has sentenced Mpilwenhle Dladla to life imprisonment plus 45 years for a series of violent crimes, including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The offences were committed in Malonjeni, Dundee, between March 2019 and December 2020.

In March 2019, Dladla and an accomplice hitchhiked a lift in Dundee. During the journey, he threatened the driver with a gas gun and stole the vehicle.

In December 2020, Dladla targeted a police officer outside his home, robbing him of his service pistol before fleeing. Moments later, gunshots rang out nearby. The officer discovered a man fatally wounded in the chest. Dladla had shot the victim and stolen his car.

Police responded quickly and pursued the stolen vehicle. After a burst tyre, Dladla abandoned the car and opened fire on officers, who returned fire and injured him in the arm. He escaped but was arrested the following day when a farmer spotted him on his property. The stolen police firearm was recovered.

Prosecutor Sibonelo Mncadi presented strong evidence from complainants and responding officers. Dladla was convicted and sentenced to:

Life imprisonment for murder;

Ten years each for three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances;

Eight years for attempted murder; and

Seven years for unlawful possession of a firearm.

He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

NPA regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara welcomed the judgment: “This confirms our stance that crime will not be tolerated. We commend the prosecution team and law enforcement for their relentless pursuit of justice.”

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