Mthatha’s High Court sentenced Siphesihle Tatsi (23) to 241 years’ imprisonment for his part in reportedly killing five on-duty police officers in Ngcobo on February 21, 2018.
The other accused, Phumzile Mhlatywa (50), Phandani Monco (35), Kwanele Ndlwana (27) and Siphosomzi Tshefu, chose to follow the normal trial route while their co-accused Tatsi pleaded guilty on 22 counts, which among others, included five murders, attempted murders, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as malicious damage to property.
The five police officers who were gunned down in this incident were Warrant Officer Zuko Mbini, Constable Zuko Ntsheku, Constable Nkosiphendule Pongco, Constable Sibongiseni Sondlana and Constable Kuhle Metete.
According to National Spokesperson for Hawks, Colonel Kahlego Mogale, Tatsi pleaded guilty on Tuesday, July 18, hence the 241 years collective sentencing on Tuesday, July 25.
“His sentence is subsequent to an investigation made by the Mthatha based Serious Organized Crime Investigation Team of the Hawks emanating from an incident, where on February 21, 2018, Tatsi and his four accomplices Mhlatywa, Monco, Ndlwana and Tshefu were reported to have killed five on-duty police officers attached to Ngcobo Police Station, who were patrolling and robbed them of their five 9mm service pistols,” said Mogale.
She said the accused were worshipers at Mancoba Seven Angel’s Church based at Nyanga Location in Ngcobo.
According to her, investigations revealed that the accused went and robbed members at the police station where they snatched two R5 rifles, two shotguns and one 9mm pistol.
Mogale added that it is reported that on the night of the incident, the task team of investigators led by the Mthatha based Serious Organized Crime Investigation of Hawks received information about the suspects who killed and robbed the police station.
“The team operationalized the information which led them to Mancoba church premises. On arrival, police were met with gunfire and the ensuing shootout, five suspects were apprehended. They made several court appearances at Mthatha High Court and were remanded in custody ad bail was successfully opposed.”
Tatsi was sentenced as follows:
- Count three for conspiracy, he was sentenced to 10 years, he was sentenced to 90 years for five murder cases, he was given 18 years in each case,
- Count 8, robbery, he was sentenced to 10 years.
- Count 11, robbery sentenced to 10 years,
- Count 12, robbery, sentenced to 10 years,
- Count 13, robbery sentenced to 18 years,
- Count 16, attempted murder sentenced to 12 years.
- Count 17, attempted murder sentenced to 12 years.
- Count 18, housebreaking sentenced to 10 years.
- Count 19, possession of unlicensed firearm sentenced to eigh years.
- Count 20, possession of unlicensed firearm sentenced to eight years,
- Count 21, possession of unlicensed firearm sentenced to eight years.
- Count 22, possession of ammunition sentenced to five years.
“Count five to count 22 together with count three, to run concurrently with count four resulting in Tatsi spending 18 years behind bars. He was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
“The case against his co-accused is still in court and will be finalised on Friday, September 15.”
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya extolled the Provincial Head of the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya and his team, the Mthatha Serious Organized Crime Investigation for sterling efforts in making sure that Tatsi is dealt with the full might of law.
“Murder of police officers is a crime against the State and will not be tolerated. The DPCI will deal with perpetrators of such atrocities without fear or favor in ensuring that they spend the remainder of their natural lives behind bars,” said Lebeya.
