Cop killers sentenced to 35 years

Two men have each been sentenced to a total of 35 years in prison after murdering a Cape Town cop for his gun six years ago.

“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has welcomed the hefty sentences handed down to two suspects for the murder of a Cape Town police officer,” Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Philani Nkwalase said in a statement on Sunday.

Mxolisi Rhulumente, 40, and Annesly David Campher, 32, were each sentenced to 20 years in jail for the murder of Sergeant Xoliza Mlindwa, 41, who was attached to the Gugulethu SAPS crime prevention unit.

The accused also received 15 years for the related crimes.

“The lifeless body of the deceased cop was found by security officials with multiple gunshot wounds on the 30 June 2014 inside his vehicle.

“The security officials immediately alerted the local police, who at the time managed to locate and secure some of his belongings at the crime scene.

“His official firearm was, however, missing,” Nkwalase said.

A search and seizure operation was conducted on 5 July 2014 after the Hawks received information on the whereabouts of the killers.

The operation led to the recovery of the murdered officer’s firearm and ammunition, as well as another fully loaded 9mm pistol.

Three suspects were arrested and charged with murder, armed

robbery, and illegal

possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Rhulumente and Campher were both found guilty on all three charges in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ Court on 26 May.

All charges were withdrawn against the third suspect.

All the sentences would run concurrently, Nkwalase said.

African News Agency