| 2024/10/16 |
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Media Statement EASTERN CAPE – The Mthatha High court sentenced Andani Monco (36), Kwanele Ndlwana (28), Siphosomzi Tshefu (age not known by the accused) and Phumzile Mhlatywa (51) for five counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, numerous counts of possession of unlicensed of firearms and ammunition, numerous counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and housebreaking with an intent to commit an offence on 16 October 2024. Their co-accused Siphesihle Tatsi (age not known) has since been sentenced to effective 18 years’ direct imprisonment as some counts in his collective 241 years’ sentence run concurrently after pleading guilty on 27July 2023. On 21 February 2018, five police officials who were attached to Engcobo police station were killed and had their firearms robbed. The police station was attacked, firearms and ammunition robbed, police van robbed as well. The accused further attempted to bomb a Capitec Bank Automatic Teller Machines (ATM). Responding to information received Monco, Ndlwana, Tshefu, Mhlatywa and Tatsi who belonged to the Mancoba Seven Angels church were arrested and seven were killed during the shootout with police a few days after the horrific police murder incident. The accused were remanded in custody since their arrest. After the sentencing of Tatsi on 27 July 2023, the remaining four opted for the trial route hence their conviction on 17 May 2024. Sentencing was remanded several times until 16 October 2024 when Mthatha High Court sentenced them as follows: – Andani Monco (36) with some counts running concurrently, will effectively serve 35 years’ direct imprisonment. – Phumzile Mhlatywa (51) also with some counts running concurrently will effectively serve 25 years’ direct imprisonment, – Kwanele Ndlwana (28) and Siphosomzi Tshefu (age not known) will each serve 40 years’ direct imprisonment sentence. All the effective sentences for each accused will run concurrently with the five life sentences. The sentencing of the four accused is welcomed by the Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya as it would send a stern warning to would-be perpetrators. He further warned the public to be cautious and exercise their discerning ability when dealing with matters of religion and not befall victims of cult. Ends
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