POLICE MURDER ACCUSED SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS
KWAZULU-NATAL – Madadeni High Court convicted and sentenced 36-year-old Simphiwe Wellington Mhlungu to 30 years imprisonment on Friday, 21 July 2023 for killing a K9 police officer.
In December 2021, Sergeant Protas Siphiwe Mazibuko (43) who was attached to Ladysmith K9 Unit was driving his vehicle to his place of residence when he was knocked from behind by an uknown vehicle. He alighted to check what had transpired then he was fatally shot and his service firearm was taken.
The team of Newcastle based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation with Ladysmith police officers from Visible Policing, K9, Tactical Response Team and Crime Intelligence worked diligently to solve the case. Mhlungu was arrested two days after the incident where he was found with Sgt Mazibuko’s firearm in his possession.
After a five-day trial which commenced from 17 to 21 July 2023, Mhlungu was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for murder, 10 years imprisonment for illegal possession of firearm and five years’ imprisonment for theft of firearm.
The Hawks’ Provincial Head, Major General Lesetja Senona applauded the collaboration and determination by the Ladysmith and Newcastle police officers which led to the arrest and conviction of the killer.
