Ngcobo five insist they were tortured into admitting they killed five police officers

Trial-within-a-trial in third week hears testimony from prosecution and defence

The Eastern Cape men accused of killing five Ngcobo police officers on Tuesday continued with their claims that they had been assaulted and tortured by investigators who had wanted them to implicate themselves in the gruesome 2018 killing spree.

Yet another police officer who took the witness box on Tuesday was accused by the five men of being involved in their alleged torture and assault.

This is in a trial-within-a-trial in the Mthatha high court that is now in its third consecutive week.

The five men — Andani Monco, Kwanele Ndlwana, Siphosomzi Tshefu, Siphesihle Tatsi and Phumzile Mhlatywa, aged between 22 and 28 — claim they were coerced into confessing to killing warrant officer Zuko Mbini, constables Kuhle

Mateta, Sibongiseni Sandlana, Zuko Ntsheku and Nkosiphendule Pongco in February 2018.

Sergeant Sinoxolo Ntsevu took the witness stand for the state on Tuesday.

Ntsevu, a detective at the Dalasile police station, testified that when about 40 suspects, men and women, were arrested after the attack, he read them their constitutional rights behind the community service centre in the Ngcobo police station on February 24.

After this he said whoever had heard and understood should sign the form.

All the accused signed, certifying that they understood the rights read to them in isiXhosa.

He was further tasked with transporting Ndlwana to Dalasile, where the accused was detained.

Ntsevu testified that days after he read the rights to the accused, there were other suspects wanted for another case which involved the accused.

“Accused 1 [Monco] asked to assist us in pointing out the homes of other accused,” he said.

He said he went with him and two other officers to Butterworth.

“On the way, we were talking, all of us in the car, but mostly Monco was the one talking, telling us about what happens in the Mancoba household and about other crimes they have committed,” he said.

In cross-examination, Monco disputed that Ntsevu read them their rights.

“You made me sign this document in a cell. You called us by names and made us sign. I am telling you that. You didn’t read anything from this document to us. You only confirmed if I was Andani Monco,” Monco put it to Ntsevu.

Monco further claimed Ntsevu took him from the cells to the garage where he was assaulted by more than 10 officers.

“Upon entering the garage, Ndlwana was there. Two officers were dragging him and he was dripping and smelled of faeces.”

He said he was suffocated with a tyre tube until he said he would talk.

“From there you [police] took me and tied me in a burglar door of the magistrate court and that’s when you said I should talk about my relationship with Thandazile [Mancoba, now deceased].”

Ntsevu answered: “That was not me.”

Ntsevu disputed being present in the garage, repeating that he had parted with Monco at the community service centre.

Monco continued: “After I told you about my relationship with Thandazile, you said I should implicate myself and the other accused and use hearsay. It’s not true that I said I could help you with other crimes.”

They face five counts of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The trial within a trial continues.

Mostly Monco was the one talking, telling us about ... other crimes they have committed