Pretoria - The three life sentences handed down to two men accused of the murder of a Tshwane Metro Police officer has been welcomed by North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo.
“The two life sentence that 31-year-old Jabu Javas Basaya and one that his accomplice, 26-year-old Lucky Edwin Baloyi received should send a strong message to criminals that there is no place in our society for those who attack and kill law enforcement officers,” Premier Mahumapelo said on Friday.
On Wednesday, the North West Division of the High Court sitting in Ga-Rankuwa handed down the sentences.
“We commend police for the swift reaction and teamwork that resulted in the speedy arrest and successful conviction and trust that the family of the deceased official finds closure in the knowledge that justice was served,” Premier Mahumapelo said.
The two men were arrested shortly after shooting at three Tshwane Metro Police officials at a vehicle check point along Molefe Makinta Highway two years ago and robbing one of them of his service pistol.
“The officials returned fire and that led to injury of one of the accused who was admitted to hospital. A metro official who was wounded in the fire exchange was rushed to Legae Private Clinic where he later died,” Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.
A joint search by Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane, Hebron, and Tshwane Metro police officials led to the arrest of one of the suspects shortly after the incident.
Basaya was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, twenty years for armed robbery, 3 years for each of five counts of attempted murder and six years for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunitions.
The court also sentenced Baloyi to 25 years imprisonment for murder, 10 years for armed robbery, 6 years for each of 2 counts of attempted murder, and 3 years for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunitions. The sentences will run concurrently. - SAnews.gov.za
