{"id":35499,"date":"2026-07-31T17:15:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T17:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=35499"},"modified":"2026-07-31T17:15:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T17:15:11","slug":"justice-served-life-sentences-for-officers-killers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/justice-served-life-sentences-for-officers-killers\/","title":{"rendered":"Justice Served: Life Sentences for Officers\u2019 Killers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The Durban Regional Court in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has handed down sentences to Zwelithini Mkhize (37), Mlungisi Ndlovu (32), Siyabonga Dlamini (30), Siyabonga Ngcongo (29), and Sithembiso Cele (30).<\/p>\n

These individuals were found guilty of several offenses, including robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, attempted murder, attempted robbery, and housebreaking with intent to commit theft.<\/p>\n

As stated by Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, spokesperson for the KZN National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mkhize, Ndlovu, Dlamini, and Ngcongo were also convicted of possessing suspected stolen property. Additionally, Ndlovu, Dlamini, and Ngcongo faced charges for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn 18 June 2018, the complainant, a 39-year-old woman, and the late Warrant Officer Philip Njabulo Linda, who had a prior acquaintance, were in the Malukazi area of Isipingo. They were approached by the accused, who brandished firearms and demanded that the complainant lead them to a specific house. Some of the accused left with her, while others stayed with the deceased<\/em>,\u201d noted Kara.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the intended house, the accused did not locate the individual they sought.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey attempted to rob the complainant, but she had no belongings on her person. While returning to where the deceased and the remaining accused were positioned, they broke into a nearby residence, stealing several items. Once they regrouped, they commanded the complainant to kneel next to the deceased. At that moment, the deceased urged her to flee. As she did so, she heard numerous gunshots. She was struck in the back and arm, collapsing near a nearby house. She was later taken to a hospital for treatment and subsequently learned of the deceased’s death at the scene<\/em>,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n

Kara added that the accused evaded capture for roughly a month before being apprehended in Durban’s central business district as police observed their suspicious driving.<\/p>\n

During the search, law enforcement discovered firearms in the possession of Ndlovu, Dlamini, and Ngcongo. A subsequent ballistic analysis linked those weapons to the crime scene.<\/p>\n

In court, Prosecutor Nkosingiphile Manqele presented evidence from multiple witnesses, including the complainant. The results from identification parades and ballistic evidence played a vital role in the State’s case.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the aggravation of the sentence, Ms Manqele submitted Victim Impact Statements from the complainant and the deceased’s wife, prepared with the help of Court Preparation Officer Prudence Geraud. The complainant detailed how, due to her gunshot injuries, she lost significant use of her arm and cannot stand for prolonged periods, making her unable to support her family<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe late officer’s wife expressed the ongoing trauma experienced by her and her children due to the incident, describing her husband as a caring man devoted to supporting local children’s education and providing financial help when required<\/em>,\u201d she mentioned.<\/p>\n

The court ultimately sentenced all five defendants to 15 years in prison for robbery with aggravating circumstances; life imprisonment for murder; five years for attempted robbery; ten years for attempted murder; and five years for housebreaking with intent to commit theft.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Mkhize, Ndlovu, Dlamini, and Ngcongo each received a one-year sentence for possession of suspected stolen property.<\/p>\n

\u201cNdlovu, Dlamini, and Ngcongo were also sentenced to 15 years for unlawful possession of a firearm and one year for illegal possession of ammunition. These individuals will serve an effective life sentence and have been declared unfit to possess firearms<\/em>,\u201d she reported.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n