Officer’s widow forgives his killers

‘I would like to do what my husband would have done as he was a Christian’

THE Western Cape High Court has sentenced Melikhaya Molefe and Anele Liwani to life imprisonment for killing police officers Constable Monwabisi Kaka and Sergeant Sibongile Ngcawuzele.

The duo were also found guilty of possession of firearms and ammunition and the theft of a firearm, while Thando Mdokwana and Anele Thala were sentenced to five years for theft of a vehicle.

Kaka and Ngcawuzele were shot dead and their fireams stolen while on duty in Nyanga on June 30 last year.

Judge Boet Smit allowed Kaka’s widow Phumza to speak to the convicted murderers before sentencing.

“I can see that you are still young and good-looking individuals, but let me tell you what you have done to me, my children and my entire family. (You) have caused so much hurt, distress and difficulties.

“But I would like to do what my husband would have done to you as he was a Christian and a God-fearing man.

“I will definitely forgive you with all my heart, so I, therefore, forgive you,” she said.

Ngcawuzele’s sister, Ncediwe Ngcawuzele, said her elder brother was the breadwinner for his eight children.

Acting provincial commissioner Major-General Rene Fick hailed investigating officers for their work.

“Criminals who viciously murder police officials do not go unpunished.

“The harsh convictions meted out to police murderers sends a message to the community that those who dare take the lives of police officials ‘will face hefty sentences.

“They will be removed from society as they are a threat to our constitution, which protects the lives of everyone in South Africa, including police officials,” she said.

She said the motive behind the killing of police officers by the criminals was often to enable them to continue harassing society.

“Police officers should be encouraged by the fact that their good investigations lead to such harsh sentences.

“The message to all police killers is clear – we will find you and arrest you, and ensure that you are sentenced to jail for a very long time.

“This message is also aimed internally at those corrupt police officials involved in or aiding others to kill police officials – you kill a police official, you kill the nation,” she said.

In September, Siphiwo Zondani was handed a life sentence for killing police officer Mthetheleli Shephard Gunya and for the attempted murder of another officer in Nyanga last year.

Zondani, 38, was jailed for 10 years for attempting to murder Vuyolwethu Mantash on October 17 last year, and five years’ imprisonment for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.