COP KILLER GETS TWO LIFE TERMS

A CONVICTED cop killer has been sentenced to life in prison. 

Mxoleleni Sikhahla, 36, was convicted on nine of the 10 charges, which include the murder of two on-duty South African Police Service officers. 

His other crimes include attempted murder, and robbery with aggravated circumstances. 

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks) said the two officers were ambushed on 28 February 2021 while they were on duty patrolling in Kraaifontein.

They were shot dead and their firearms were stolen.

The Western Cape spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as Hawks) Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani said: “It was reported that Sergeant Mnakwazo Mdoko, 44, and Constable Mninawa Breakfast, 32, were ambushed by the suspect while on patrol duties in Nondakuthini Street in Bloekombos, at about 1.25 am in 2021. 

“They were fatally shot whilst they were in their patrol vehicle. It was further reported that Mdoko and Breakfast were declared dead on the scene, and their official firearms were robbed in the early hours of February 28, 2021.”

Sikhahla was sentenced to life imprisonment for each count of murder, 15 years' direct imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, and 10 years' direct imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. 

He was further sentenced to 12 years' direct imprisonment for possession of a prohibited firearm and 10 years' direct imprisonment for contravening the Firearms Control Act. 

Sikhahla will effectively serve life imprisonment. 

The Western Cape head of the Hawks, Major General Mathipa Makgato said this case highlighted the severe consequences for those who attack or kill law enforcement officers. 

Makgato said the sentence handed down by the court should serve as a deterrent to others and emphasised the value placed on the lives of those who serve and protect the public.