Pretoria - Government has welcomed the sentencing of eight former Daveyton policemen for the murder of Mozambican taxi driver Mido Macia, saying it should serve as a deterrent to anyone who takes the law into their own hands -- regardless of their standing in society.
The eight policemen -- Meshack Malele (46), Thamsanqa Mgema (35), Percy Jonathan Mnisi (26), Bongumusa Mdluli (25), Sipho Sydwell Ngobeni (30), Lungisa Gwababa (31), Bongani Kolisi (27) and Linda Sololo (56) -- were sentenced to 15 years each behind bars by the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday.
“Government welcomes the sentencing of the officers and applauds the judicial system and law enforcement agencies for ensuring that justice is served. This sentencing is a clear indication that the law will take its course to ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are dealt with harshly,” said acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams.
Williams said the law enforcement agencies are there to protect society and ill-discipline by any law enforcement officers will not be tolerated and should be strongly condemned.
Government is also committed to continuously strengthen its efforts to ensure community safety for all who live in South Africa.
“Government has put in place mechanisms to address issues pertaining to law enforcement officials. Key among this is the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, whose objective is to investigate and prevent any corruption or criminal acts within the police service,” Williams said.
She said police were doing generally well in serving and protecting communities.
“However, we will not allow their good work to be tainted by a few officers who are taking the law into their own hands.”
Williams encouraged communities to work with police officers to deal with issues of crime and criminality.
Macia, 27, was found dead in a holding cell at Daveyton Police Station after being dragged through the streets and handcuffed to the back of a police van in February 2013.
Macia had been arrested for an alleged traffic violation but died hours after being detained.
His post mortem found he had been severely beaten and died due to a lack of oxygen. - SAnews.gov.za
