33 year old police Constable, Phahla Jonas Mokhatla has been convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for murder. Constable Mokhatla’s sentencing follows an Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) investigation into allegations that he shot and killed his colleague, Constable Ntima Selwin Seisa (29) in the morning of 23 May 2009. At the time of the incident, both the deceased and the accused were stationed at Tumahole SAPS at Parys, Free State.
The allegations are that in the morning of the incident, Constable Mokhatla shot and wounded Constable Seisa whilst they were preparing to knock-off after working night shift. It is not clear what led to the shooting. Constable Seisa was then rushed to hospital where he was certified dead on arrival.
The ICD was notified of the incident and immediately started an investigation. A case of murder was opened, which culminated in the arrest of Constable Mokhatla. He appeared in court and was granted bail of R1 000 on 25 May 2009. The case was heard in the Kroonstad Regional Court and on 9 February 2011, Constable Mokhatla was convicted of murder and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, four of which is suspended for five years. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
South African Police Service constable handed a 12 year imprisonment sentence for murder: Tumahole: CAS 50/05/2009
