10 years’ direct imprisonment for conspiracy to kill a police general

Roshanel Banawo (63) was on Wednesday sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment after being found guilty of conspiracy to kill a police general.

The sentence was handed down by the Newcastle Regional Court.

The court heard that Banawo attempted on three occasions to assassinate the district commissioner of uMzinyathi, Major General Francis Slambert, for what the court referred to as both personal and reasons related to Slambert’s work.

Banawo, who served as a police officer for 39 years before he was dismissed after being found with drugs at his home, was running a criminal cartel and attempted to capture Slambert.

As a commander dedicated to her work, Slambert refused to be captured, and Banawo ordered two hitmen to kill her.

In handing down the sentence, the court also declared Banawo unfit to possess a firearm.

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