Student Constable Sipho Mbatha, convicted of murdering Soweto teenager Thato Mokoka, was today sentenced to 17 years of which 5 years is suspended for five years by the Johannesburg High Court.
The constable was convicted for murder in August 2012 after a marathon trial. 16 year old Thato Mokoka was shot on 14 February 2012 by Const Mbatha who had raided Thato's grandmother's home after a report of pointing of a firearm was made by a learner.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigated the shooting and arrested Constable Mbatha. He was charged with murder and has since been convicted.
Ms Koekie Mbeki, Acting Executive Director of the IPID welcomed the sentence and said: "This sentence sends a strong message that police officers should handle their firearms carefully. We hope that it will restore the faith of the community in the Criminal Justice System. I want to commend my investigators for investigating this tragic matter quickly and ensuring justice for the Mokoka family"
For enquiries:
Moses Dlamini
Cell: 082 809 1927
E-mail: mdlamini@ipid.gov.za
