Ex-cops jailed over plot to sabotage CPF leader murder case

Two former SAPS officers have been sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment for trying to obstruct the investigation into the murder of a KwaNdengezi community leader, who fought against the alleged illegal sale of land. Thulani Lawrence Nxumalo, who was the chairperson of the KwaNdengezi Community Policing Forum (CPF) and an ANC leader in the area, was ambushed and shot several times outside his home in 2018. This week, two former SAPS officers and three co-accused were sentenced to an effective 17 years’ imprisonment in the Pinetown Regional Court.

The convicted are former police officers Bonginkosi Anthony Dlamini and Khephu Ndlovu, as well as Sibongile Regina Khumalo, Felokwakhe Ndlovu and Lindokuhle Mbonambi. At the time of the offences, Khephu Ndlovu was attached to the SAPS Political Killings Task Team. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Felokwakhe Ndlovu, an induna in KwaNdengezi, was allegedly involved in the illegal sale of land.

Nxumalo had reportedly opposed the activities and tried to stop them. The court heard that Felokwakhe Ndlovu later conspired with others to have Nxumalo killed. The NPA said Dlamini was initially assigned as the investigating officer in the murder case before the docket was removed from him and he was taken off the task team.

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He later allegedly approached a key witness and tried to persuade him not to testify. Investigations later revealed that Khumalo allegedly paid R120 000 to Khephu Ndlovu, with the money allegedly intended for Dlamini in exchange for influencing the witness. The court also heard that Mbonambi helped hide the firearm used in the murder, but the weapon was later recovered after a witness informed police that Mbonambi had asked him to conceal it.

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