COP KILLERS GET DOUBLE LIFE

FOUR cop killers were each sentenced to two life terms innie mang after hearing their fate at the Western Cape High Court yesterday. 

The four - Ndumiso Lutshetu,18, Ashwin Kennedy, 22, Bongani Mvamveki, 36 and Malibongwe Witbooi, 35 -were recently convicted for the double murders of City of Cape Town law enforcement officers who were deployed at Sweet Home in Samora Machel, Cape Town, on 4 September 4, 2019. 

Jan Niewenhuys and Simthembile Nyangiwe were on duty in a marked vehicle when they were killed in a hail of bullets in broad daylight. The pair was killed after being shot at 21 times and their guns were stolen.

Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said the sentence was welcomed by the provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile. 

Patekile said this verdict served as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice and underscores their commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to safeguarding communities.

According to court details, the accused were vasgevat within two hours of the shooting. 

At conviction, Judge Daniel Thulare denied the submission by the accused that they were not searched inside the shack where they were caught by surprise by police and soldiers, and found in possession of the officers’ firearms. 

Judge Thulare said: “Police are well-trained to deal with life-threatening situations. It is highly improbable that they would not have searched the accused. 

“The version of the accused changed as it suited them… The version of the accused which implied a false conspiracy by the police to falsely implicate them is not only highly improbable but was also beyond reasonable doubt false.”