A murder investigation by the Independent Complaints Directorate has resulted in the conviction of Constable Mlondolozi Makhathini.
The Pinetown magistrate's court found Constable Makhathini guilty for murder and sentenced him to 15 years in prison for shooting and killing a 19 year old man, Thamsanqa Abrahams in February of 2007 at Kwandengezi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The accused was stationed at SAPS Alexandra Road at the time of sentencing.
Constable Makhathini who at the time of the incident was stationed at SAPS Harburg is said to have gunned down the deceased who was with his friend and younger sister standing beside a road in Kwandengezi when the constable drove pass them at a very high speed almost knocking them down.
The deceased then yelled at the driver for driving recklessly in an area where there were kids. This infuriated Makhatini who made an about turn where a confrontation ensued between him and the deceased.
The Constable then pulled out his service pistol and shot the deceased in the neck and then fled the scene. The deceased was taken to hospital where he later died.
After it was realised that the accused was a police officer the ICD took over the investigation which led to his arrest a day after the incident.
Makhathini was found guilty by the Pinetown magistrate's court on 25 May 2010. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison on 12 July 2010. The accused was based at SAPS Alexandra Road at the time of sentencing.
For enquiries contact:
Moses Dlamini
cell: 082 809 1927
Source: Independent Complaints Directorate
South African Police Service (SASP) constable sentenced to 15 years in prison for murder
