Mkhanyisi Gcwabe (46) was convicted and sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment by the Ntabankulu High Court for murdering a police officer, Sergeant Mzuvukile Siphendu (40), who was attached to Tabase Police Station in Mount Fletcher; he was sentenced on Thursday, August 24.
According to the Hawks Warrant Officer, Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Siphendu was brutally murdered at Ntsundu tavern in Mount Fletcher.
He said the investigation revealed that Gcwabe had a dispute with him; he then pulled out his firearm and fatally shot him.
“Gcwabe was arrested by the Mthatha-based Hawks’ Serious Organized Crime Investigation.
“He was remanded in police custody for the duration of his trial after his bail application was successfully opposed. He made numerous court appearances until he was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment with no option of a fine,” said Mhlakuvana.
The Eastern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Obed Ngwenya, commended the investigation team for the sterling job that led to the conviction and sentencing of the accused person.
