KWAZULU-NATAL – On Monday 16 January 2023, Mtubatuba High Court sentenced Phumowakhe Ndwandwe (24) to life imprisonment for the murder of Detective Sergeant Sakhile Nsibande who was fatally shot in the line of duty.

On 14 November 2019, KwaMbonambi SAPS detectives conducted suspect raid at Cinci reserve looking for Ndwandwe. He was sought for house robbery and rape charges. Ndwandwe’s house was identified and surrounded by the police, when Ndwandwe noticed that he was cornered he allegedly fired shots through the window and escaped. After that it was discovered that Sergeant Nsibande was shot and he was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

A case of murder was reported and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks members from Richards Bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation. On 15 November 2019, a joint operation was conducted by Empangeni Public Order Police, Crime Intelligence, KwaMbonambi detectives and Richards Bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation. Ndwandwe was arrested at Kwamsane area and he was found in possession of unlicensed firearm. His bail was successfully opposed and he was in custody until he was convicted in December last year.

Ndwandwe was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years imprisonment for house robbery, 15 years imprisonment for rape and 15 years imprisonment for possession of unlicensed firearm as well as ammunition. His sentences will run concurrently.

Source: South African Police Service