Life sentence for cop killers
At the time of the incident, the off-duty police constable was stationed at Kokstad police station.
Mhlengeni Mgcwaba (30) and Mawande Mkhulisi (34) were sentenced for the murder of an off-duty police constable, Mzimasi Truman Hloba (28), which occurred on February 13, 2023.
Mgcwaba and Mkhulisi were jailed to 15 years’ imprisonment for each count of robbery with aggravating circumstances and life imprisonment for murder.
The men appeared in the High Court Pietermaritzburg sitting in Port Shepstone last Thursday.
Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane, Hawks spokesperson, said Hloba and a woman companion were ambushed by several men while assessing damage to Hloba’s vehicle after it crashed into guardrails on the R56 Main Road at Meyi location in Ibisi.
A struggle ensued, and Hloba was fatally shot in the upper left side of his body.
At the time, Hloba was stationed at Kokstad police station.
Ncane said an intensive investigation was launched by the Hawks members from Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation, which led to the arrest of Mgcwaba, Mkhulisi and Monde Moja Nyathi on February 14, 2023.
“During their arrest, a cellphone belonging to the woman was found in their possession,” he said.
The accused appeared in court on several occasions.
On June 19 last year, Nyathi pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment for each count of robbery with aggravating circumstances and 25 years imprisonment for murder.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona, welcomed the sentence and praised the efforts of the investigating team.
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that crime will not be tolerated and those who commit crime will face the full might of the law,” said Senona.
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