The Mthatha High Court sentenced Siphesihle Tatsi (23) on 25 July 2023, one of the five who reportedly killed five on duty police officers in Ngcobo on 21 February 2018.
Phumzile Mhlatywa (50), Phandani Monco (35), Kwanele Ndlwana (27) and Siphosomzi Tshefu chose to follow the normal trial route while their co- accused pleaded guilty for 22 counts which among others include six murders, attempted murders, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as malicious damage to property.
Tatsi pleaded guilty on 18 July 2023 hence the 241 years collective sentencing on 25 July 2023.
The sentencing of Tatsi is subsequent to a meticulous investigation by Mthatha based Serious Organise Crime Investigation team of the Hawks emanating from an incident where on 21 February 2018, Tatsi and his five (5) accomplices Mhlatywa, Monco, Ndlwana and Tshefu were reported to have killed five on duty police officers attached to Ngcobo Police Station who were patrolling and robbed them of their five 9mm service pistols.
The accused were worshipers at Mancoba Seven Angel’s Church that was based at Nyanga Location in Ngcobo.
Investigation further revealed that the accused went and robbed members at the police station where they snatched two R5 rifles, two shot guns and one 9mm pistol.
It is reported that on 23 February 2018, the task team of investigators led by the Mthatha based Serious Organised Crime Investigation of Hawks received information about the suspects who killed and robbed the police station.
The team operationalised the information which led them to Mancoba church premises.
On arrival, police we met with gunfire and the ensuing shootout, five suspects were apprehended.
The suspects made several court appearances at Mthatha High court and were remanded in custody as bail was successfully opposed.
Tatsi was sentenced as follows:
Count 3 Conspiracy sentenced to 10 years
Count 4 Murder sentenced to 18 years
Count 5 robbery with aggregated circumstances sentenced to 10 years
Count 6 Murder sentenced to 18 years
Count 7 Murder sentenced to 18 years
Count 8 Robbery sentenced to 10 years
Count 9 Robbery sentenced to 10 years
Count 10 robbery sentenced to 10 years
Count 11 robbery sentenced to 10 years
Count 12 robbery sentenced to 10 years
Count 13 robbery sentenced to 18 years
Count 14 murder sentenced to 18 years
Count 15 murder sentenced to 18 years
Count 16 Attempted murder sentenced to 12 years
Count 17 Attempted murder sentenced to 12 years
Count 18 Housebreaking sentenced to 10 years
Count 19 Possession of unlicensed firearm sentenced to 8 years
Count 20 Possession of unlicensed firearm sentenced to 8 years
Count 21 possession of unlicensed firearm sentenced to 8 years
Count 22 possession of ammunition sentenced to 5 years
Count 5 to count 22 together with count 3, to run concurrently with count 4 resulting in Tatsi spending 18 years behind bars.
Tatsi was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The case against his co-accused is still in court and will be finalised on 15 September 2023.
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv.) Godfrey Lebeya extolled the Provincial Head of the Eastern Cape, Major General Obed Ngwenya and his team, the Mthatha Serious Organised Crime Investigation for sterling efforts in making sure that Tatsi is dealt with the full might of the law. “Murder of police officers is a crime against the State and will not be tolerated. The DPCI will deal with perpetrators of such atrocities without fear or favour in ensuring that they spend the remainder of their natural lives behind bars”, said the Lt Gen Lebeya.
