Mthuthuzeli Mketshana, a former warrant officer attached to the KwaZakhele police station in Gqeberha, has been sentenced to 15 years in jail for killing a fellow police officer.
The 58-year-old convicted murderer appeared in the New Brighton regional court this week, where his fate was decided.
At the time of the murder, said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), Mketshana was off-duty.
Ipid spokesperson Robbie Raburabu said: “In 2016, Mketshana fatally shot 44-year-old Mbuyiseli Simakuhle after an alleged road rage argument.
“The deceased also happened to have been employed by the SAPS [SA Police Service] in Queenstown.”
It is alleged that Mketshana was driving in KwaZakhele when the deceased, who was also driving in the same stretch of road, allegedly blocked his way.
“After a heated argument between the two, Mketshana shot at the deceased. He was rushed to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“In 2017, Mketshana was arrested by Ipid investigators following an investigation.”
He was charged by the SAPS for having committed a common law or statutory offence, murder with alternative charges and contravention of the provisions of Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
After he was found guilty by the SAPS, Mketshana was dismissed from the police service.
The Ministry of Police commended the Ipid on its thorough investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of Mketshana.
Police Ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said the Ipid should conduct its work without fear or favour, adding that if officers are found guilty, they should face the might of the law.
“The ministry [of police] is aware of the shocking incidents and it is on record that the SAPS has zero-tolerance for violence, let alone this crime perpetrated by members of the service,” said Themba.
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