The sentencing of the two men linked to the murder of the former Ehlanzeni Chief Whip Johan Ndlovu by the Pretoria High Court in Nelspruit today, 20 May 2013 is once more a signal that government is gradually winning the war against crime, this is according to Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison, MEC Vusi Shongwe.
“Although the sentencing of the three will not bring Ndlovu back, we however believe that it brings about closure and comfort to his family and friends that justice has finally been served. We therefore believe that this development should be welcomed by all and sundry, as it would assist in restoring community’s faith in the work of the police and Criminal Justice Cluster as a whole.
It will also assist in sending out messages that our government is committed to combating crime thereby creating conditions of peace and security for our people,” the MEC said.
The two men, Mody Khosa and Bongani Mkansi were each sentenced to life for murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, three years for illegal possession of a firearm and one year for of unlicensed ammunition.
All sentences will run concurrently. Another suspect Life Khosa, is already serving a 35 year sentence after pleading guilty to the murder. This brings to three the total number of people linked to the murder. Ndlovu was murdered in January 2011 after he was reportedly shot around Hluvukani before his body was discovered at Dumphries in Bushbuckridge few kilometres from where he was staying.
Shongwe also thanked the public for assisting the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster with information in order to secure a conviction in this case, the investigation and the prosecution teams for conducting thorough, diligent and proper handling of the case. He also reiterated that community members are very important in the fight against crime, hence government is adamant that community policing is the way to go in reducing crime.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
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