Pretoria - The sentencing of the two men linked to the murder of former Ehlanzeni Chief Whip Johan Ndlovu is a signal that government is gradually winning the war against crime.
This is according to Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe.
Shongwe’s comments come after the Pretoria High Court on Thursday sentenced Mody Khosa and Bongani Mkansi to life for the murder of Ndlovu, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, three years for illegal possession of a firearm and one year for possession of unlicensed ammunition. All sentences will run concurrently.
Another suspect, Life Khosa, is already serving a 35 year sentence after pleading guilty to the murder. This brings to three the total number of people linked to the murder.
“Although the sentencing of the three will not bring Ndlovu back, we however believe that it brings about closure and comfort to his family and friends that justice has finally been served.
“We therefore believe that this development should be welcomed by all and sundry, as it would assist in restoring the community’s faith in the work of the police and Criminal Justice Cluster as a whole,” Shongwe said.
Ndlovu was murdered in January 2011 after he was reportedly shot around Hluvukani before his body was discovered at Dumphries in Bushbuckridge, a few kilometres from where he was staying.
Shongwe added that the sentence will also assist in sending out messages that our government is committed to combating crime thereby creating conditions of peace and security for people.
He also thanked the public for assisting the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster with information in order to secure a conviction in this case and the investigation and prosecution teams for conducting a thorough, diligent and proper handling of the case.
“Community members are very important in the fight against crime, hence government is adamant that community policing is the way to go in reducing crime,” Shongwe reiterated. – SAnews.gov.za
