Cop killers jailed for life
The six were arrested in January last year over the murder of Sergeant Koos Lehlabi.
Two men have been jailed for life for killing a police officer by necklacing him in Winterveldt.
Walter Lesego Mphahlele (28) and Banele Somakhaula Mabena (32) were sentenced in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Three other men, Samuel Ndoko Khoza (30), Jonny Ernest Sithole (31) and Overt Matlhomola Mathebula (30), were sentenced to 20 years each for their involvement in the murder.
A sixth man, Bongani Dube (33), was acquitted on all charges.
The six were arrested in January last year over the murder of Sergeant Koos Lehlabi.
Lehlabi (51) was killed on 1 January around 06:15, while driving from Mabopane to Hammanskraal with his family to celebrate new year.
Police spokesperson Petunia Chabangu said Lehlabi and his family were driving in two vehicles when they came across a group of people partying in the middle of the road.
An altercation ensued during which Lehlabi allegedly fired shots, killing a youth and wounding two other people.
Chabangu said the officer was then stoned, necklaced and set alight.
“His service firearm was stolen and his car was damaged.” said Chabangu.
The three were charged, among other things, with malicious damage to property, assault, robbery of a firearm and murder.
mk/hdw
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