The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has welcomed the 20-year sentence imposed on an Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer for the murder of his partner in 2023.
On 21 September 2023, at around 13:00, two Constables from EMPD went to fetch their colleague, Constable Robert Ngobeni from home on their way to work.
Upon arrival at 469 Canary Street, Lekaneng Section in Tembisa, they found the gate locked. A neighbour alerted the two officers that he had heard gunshot sounds coming from the accused's room the previous night, which prompted them to enter the premises by jumping the fence.
Bloodstains were discovered at the doorstep of Ngobeni’s room. After a child provided the officers with keys to unlock the burglar door, the officers discovered the body of deceased, Constance Phalane, on the bed with multiple gunshot wounds.
A four-year-old with a gunshot wound to the upper right shoulder and the accused, Constable Ngobeni, was lying on the floor in a pool of blood, with his firearm close to his reach.
Emergency services were summoned to the scene and the child and accused were transported to various medical facilities for medical attention. The accused was placed under police guard.
A subsequent investigation revealed a history of domestic violence between the accused and the deceased.
The South Gauteng High Court sentenced the accused to 15 years imprisonment for murder and 15 years for attempted murder.
The court further ruled that the 10-year sentence for attempted murder will run concurrently with the 15-year murder sentence. Therefore, the deceased will serve 20 years imprisonment. – SAnews.gov.za
