KWAZULU-NATAL: 15 September 2023 - Madadeni High Court sentenced Mnelisi Khumalo (39) to life imprisonment for murder of Sergeant Bongani Mpangase who was stationed at Ntabamhlophe police station.
On 28 July 2020, Sergeant Mpangase was at his residence when his neighbour’s homestead was set alight by two suspects. He ran out of his house to assist and he came across the fleeing suspects who fired shots at him. Sergeant Mpangase returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. During the shootout, Sgt Mpangase was also injured then taken to hospital where he died the next morning.
A case of murder, arson and attempted murder was reported at Wembezi police station and the case docket was allocated to Hawks members from Pietermaritzburg Serious Organised Crime Investigation for intensive investigation. Khumalo was arrested in September 2020 and his bail was successfully opposed.
He appeared in court several times until he was convicted yesterday. Khumalo was sentenced to life imprisonment for police murder, life imprisonment for murder of his accomplice, 30 years imprisonment for three counts of attempted murder and five years imprisonment for arson. His sentences will run concurrently.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General (Dr) Lesetja Senona welcomed the sentence and applauded the members for securing the conviction.