Pretoria - National Police Commissioner General Riyah Phiyega has commended SAPS ballistics analyst, Major Chris Mangena, for his contribution to a successful conviction in the case of the Westbury toddler, who was killed last year.
Mangena had taken the stand in the State versus Lindray Khakhu, who killed toddler Luke Tibbetts.
This led to the successful conviction of Khakhu in the Palm Ridge High Court on 27 March 2015.
Tibbetts was struck in the head by a bullet while sitting on his mother’s lap in a car in Westbury, Johannesburg, on 2 August 2014. He died in hospital six days later.
Khakhu, who was convicted of 17 of the 18 counts with which he was charged, including two counts of murder, was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment and a further 42 years.
“Once again, Major Mangena has done stellar work in this ballistics investigation and providing evidence in the Khakhu matter. He has received a letter of commendation for his outstanding performance and we are proud that he was instrumental in this conviction,” said Phiyega.
Senior State Advocate D van Wyk said the quality of Mangena’s evidence and his performance under cross-examination were critical to the success of the State’s case.
Mangena also flew the SAPS flag high during the Oscar Pistorius trial for which he was recently honoured with the 2015 SAPS National Service Excellence National Commissioner’s Award. - SAnews.gov.za
