SAPS Ballistics expert Major Chris Mangena succeeds again
The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Gauteng Local Division of the High Court has recognised Major Chris Mangena, the South African Police Service’s ballistics expert, for his remarkable contribution to a successful conviction in the State versus Lindray Khakhu case. “The quality of Major Mangena’s evidence and his performance under cross-examination were critical to the success of the State’s case. It was a privilege to work with him,” said Senior State Advocate. D van Wyk.
The successful conviction of Lindray Khakhu was largely due to the evidence of Major Mangena, who was recently given the 2015 SAPS National Service Excellence National Commissioner’s Award for flying the SAPS flag high during the Oscar Pistorius trial.
In the Palm Ridge High Court on 27 March 2015, Khakhu, who was convicted of 17 of the 18 counts with which he was charged including two counts of murder, was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment and a further 42 years. The one case of murder was that of three-year-old Luke Tibbetts who was struck in the head by a bullet while sitting on his mother’s lap in a car in Westbury, Johannesburg, on 2 August 2014. He died in hospital six days later.
The toddler was caught in crossfire between Khakhu and Keenan Mokwena, who was also wounded. Khakhu’s conviction in this matter was largely dependent on ballistics evidence that allowed the State to adequately corroborate eyewitness accounts of the incident.
Commenting on the case, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Riyah Phiyega, said, “Once again, Major Mangena has done stellar work in this ballistics investigation and providing evidence in the Khakhu matter. He has received a letter of commendation for his outstanding performance and we are proud that he was instrumental in this conviction.”
Enquiries:
Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale
Cell: 082 781 8863
