Mido sentence suitable – friends, residents

JUSTICE has been served in the Mido Macia murder case.

Yesterday, his killers were each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. Though Macia ’ s colleagues, friends and residents said 15 years was too lenient, they were consoled that the eight policemen would be in jail for years.

“They dragged him like a dog,” said street vendor and friend Fridah Nqur.

She said she witnessed the incident and was happy with the sen- tence. “Honestly it ’ s better than seeing these police officers walking the streets,” Nqur said.

The Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, taxi driver died at the local police station after he was dragged behind a police van in 2013.

Colleague Sibusiso Shongwe said he had known Macia for three years.

“He was quiet and never bothered anyone. His murder shocked us. I am glad that they have been imprisoned. The sentence will serve as a lesson to other officers that no one is above the law,” said Shongwe.

Jonas Sithole, a Mozambican who was also touched by the brutal murder said police were aggressive towards foreign nationals.

“If you are a foreigner and want to live peacefully, you should not argue or make a mistake ...

“The officers should have showed remorse and apologised for their deeds. But I really hope that the sentence will teach their colleagues that people should be treated with respect,” said Sithole.

Resident Patience Ndlovu said the 15-year sentence was suitable.