A Cape Town man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being slapped with two life sentences and an additional 47 years for a deadly ambush on two Kraaifontein police officers back in 2021.
Mxoleleni Sikhahla (36) was sentenced yesterday, 19 June, in the Western Cape High Court after being found guilty on nine out of ten charges, including murder, robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Sikhahla gunned down Sgt Mnakwazo Mdoko (44) and Const Mninawa Breakfast (32) in cold blood whilst they were on duty in Kraaifontein. The officers were patrolling in their vehicle along Nondakuthini Street, Bloekombos, when they were ambushed around 01:25 on 28 February 2021.
“They were fatally shot whilst in their patrol vehicle. Mdoko and Breakfast were declared dead on the scene, and their official firearms were stolen,” said Hawks spokesperson W/O Zinzi Hani.
The chilling attack sent shockwaves through the community and the police service at the time, with calls for justice ringing out ever since. Sikhahla was finally brought to book, with the court handing down a sentence that reflects the severity of his crimes.
“Sikhahla will effectively serve life imprisonment,” says Hani.
Head of the police in the Western Cape, Maj Gen Mathipa Makgato commented, saying, “This case highlights the severe consequences for those who attack or kill law enforcement officers. The sentences handed down by the court are intended to serve as a deterrent to others and emphasise the value placed on the lives of those who serve and protect the public.”
