The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Investigation (Hawks) Major General Jabulani Zikhali has welcomed the sentencing of Mthobisi Ndlovu (31) after he was convicted for murder and defeating the ends of justice by the Durban High Court on Friday.
Ndlovu together with his two accomplice Qobolwakhe Mqadi (37) and Sizwe Ndlovu (29) were positively linked to the murder of Dennis Ngcobo who was stationed at Durban Central Police Station.
Constable Ngcobo was fatally shot by Ndlovu and his body was taken to Umkomaas where it was buried in a shallow grave with the assistance of Mqadi and Ndlovu. The body of Ndlovu was found following a lengthy search and a murder case was opened at Umkomaas Police Station which was later transferred to Hawks Durban Organised Crime unit for further investigation.
In August 2014, the members made a major breakthrough after they managed to arrest the three suspects with one turning state witness. On Friday, the Durban High Court sentenced Ndlovu to eighteen years imprisonment for murder of the Constable, five years for defeating the ends of justice and a further five years for accessory after the fact.
The sentences will run concurrently.
Sizwe Ndlovu was sentenced to five years imprisonment for his role in the matter.
Major General Zikhali has congratulated the investigating team for the sterling investigative work, which resulted in the successful sentencing of the Ndlovu’s.
“As a result of the proceedings in court, dangerous individuals are going to start long sentences in prison. For that we are very grateful, and communities will be much safer.
I would also like to pay tribute to the people and the communities who supported us, who allowed us into their houses, who made statements, who assisted the Hawks and who showed trust and confidence in us. I think this is an example that when communities, families and law enforcement work together, we can achieve a criminal justice outcome.”
Major general Zikhali also paid tribute to the Public Prosecution Service and senior counsel for the excellent achievement.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
