Durban - Four men found guilty of brutally killing a policeman three years ago are expected to be sentenced next month.
Brothers Nhlakanipho and Nkululeko Luthuli, 22 and 24, Sibusiso Mthembu, 23, and Clive Mthethwa, 22, had pleaded not guilty in the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court to murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Twelve people were initially arrested for Constable Sibonelo Mbambo’s death. Charges were withdrawn against six, who then became State witnesses and, after the trial, charges were withdrawn against two.
uMlazi magistrate B Singh had found the four men guilty last month and had on Tuesday heard arguments in mitigation and aggravation of sentence.
Mbambo, 31, was part of the Tactical Response Team working in the provincial tracing division.
In November 2012, the men had been having a party in uMlazi M-Section, where Mbambo learnt there were underage girls, drinking and taking drugs and he investigated.
One of the youngsters recognised him as a police officer and the gang tried to disarm him.
The constable fired a shot, injuring one of the youngsters. A bottle was cracked over his head, he was disarmed, stabbed several times, hit on the head with a brick and dragged around the house where the party was taking place.
They then dragged him to his car and left him in the back of the car.
Warrant officer Rajesh Maharaj and Detective Sergeant Deena Govender, of the Hawks Serious and Violent Crimes section, were the arresting and investigating officers.
Both men testified during the trial. Govender said he was at the initial crime scene and was tasked with recovering Mbambo’s gun.
On Tuesday, Singh heard testimony from each of the four men as well as Mthethwa’s mother.
Daily News