Cop murderer sentenced
WHAT should have been a routine patrol ended in the death of one policeman and two suspects last March.
This has been followed by a surge in police killings, prompting the call by police unions to classify such criminal acts as treason.
Halalisani Dumisa (28), who was charged with the murder of Empangeni Flying Squad member, Sergeant Willy Mbongeni Ndlazi (45) on that fateful morning, was on Tuesday sentenced to life by the Durban High Court.
The court heard that Ndlazi and Constable Sandiso Zondi were doing a routine patrol on the N2 near Canefields when they received information about a suspicious vehicle.
The pair had just taken over the day shift.
They identified the vehicle and a high-speed chase ensued, with the vehicle eventually coming to a stop in the emergency lane on the bridge over the John Ross highway.
As the policemen approached the suspects, they ordered the driver to alight, and proceeded to check the boot.
The driver and an accomplice started shooting at the police.
Constable Zondi retaliated, killing two suspects. While Zondi was taken to hospital for treatment, Sergeant Ndlazi succumbed to his injuries.
Dumisa and his injured accomplice fled the scene on foot and a manhunt was launched, ending in another shoot-out that resulted in the death of a third accomplice.
Once again, Dumisa escaped, but was later arrested in eNseleni, where he was found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He was handed a life sentence for the murder, 10 years for the attempted murder of Constable Zondi, 15 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm, and three years for unlawful possession of ammunition. His sentences will run concurrently.
The KZN Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation provincial head, Major General Lesetja Senona welcomed the sentence.
“As much as the life of the police member was lost, justice has been served for the family and friends of the fallen hero. This sentence will serve as a deterrence to those who are considering killing our police officers.”