Criminal receives hefty sentence after shooting police officer in Dannhauser
Despite her injuries, Constable Ngwenya was able to recognise the suspect during an identification parade.
Sphelele Malinga has been sentenced to 38 years behind bars after the shooting of a Dannhauser police officer on August 10, 2019.
Lizzy Arumugam of the Newcastle Saps corporate communications office recalled that the shooting happened at around 06:00 when members of the Dannhauser SAPS responded to an armed robbery in the Fairbreeze area.
“Constable N.P. Ngwenya who was on her way to work at the time of the robbery was shot in her right leg.
Her service pistol was also stolen after the suspect had handcuffed her and left her bleeding profusely in an open veld,” Arumugam said.
Despite her injuries, Constable Ngwenya, a 24-year-old who had only been recently appointed as a police officer, was able to recognise the suspect during an identification parade.
“Constable Ngwenya was hospitalised for a lengthy period, however, after recovery, the brave constable returned to duties.
“The investigation process commenced with the gathering of evidence and witness statements.”
The docket was investigated by numerous investigating officers but was eventually handed over to Detective Sergeant S. E. Nxumalo, who was also the acting detective commander at SAPS Dannhauser.
Sgt. Nxumalo ensured the completion of the investigation and handed over the completed docket for trial.
“The tireless endeavours of the investigating officers led to the arrest of Malinga, who was eventually traced in Johannesburg. Constable Ngwenya’s state pistol was also recovered.”
The trial finally concluded on February 29, and Malinga was sentenced as follows:
- Count 1: robbery with aggravating circumstances (15 Years)
- Count 2: two counts of attempted murder (10 Years)
- Count 3: Possession of ammunition (3 years)
- Count 4: Possession of a firearm (5 Years).
The Amajuba District Commissioner, Major General FB Alexander, commended Sgt. Nxumalo ‘for the meticulous investigation of the case, ensuring that justice was served.’
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