Monde Nyathi (33) was sentenced in the Port Shepstone High Court on Wednesday this week to 25 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Student Constable Mzimasi Hloba (28).

Hloba had been stationed at Kokstad police station at the time of his death.

He was off duty on Monday, February 13 last year and was traveling on the R56 Main Road, Meyi Location near Ibisi at around 03:00 when his vehicle lost control.

Hloba got out to assess the damage while a female friend remained in the vehicle.

While he was checking the vehicle they were accosted by five men who robbed them of their belongings.

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, said the robbers fired a fatal shot at Hloba.

The men then fled the scene on foot.

Hloba was certified dead at the scene. His friend was taken to hospital for medical attention.

Mhlongo said a case of murder and armed robbery was reported at Ibisi police station.

The case docket was allocated to Hawks members from Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation.

A joint operation was conducted the following day where Nyathi and his accomplices were arrested.

They appeared in court several times. Nyathi pleaded guilty last week.

He was sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment for murder, 13 years’ imprisonment for robbery and another 13 years’ imprisonment for a second robbery.

The sentences will run concurrently.

His accomplices, Mhlengi Mgcwaba (28) and Mawande Mkhulisi (32), will be back in court to continue to stand trial on October 17, 2024.

The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating team, as well as the prosecution team, for the good work.

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