CoCT's JP Smith welcomes life sentences handed to cop murderers

CAPE TOWN - City of Cape Town (CoCT) Safety and Security MMC JP Smith has welcomed the life sentences handed down to the killers of two law enforcement officers.
 
Jan Niewenhuys and Sithembile Nyangiwe were shot and killed in September 2019 while guarding a construction site in Samora Machel, in Cape Town.
 
The Western Cape High Court heard that the officers had their firearms stolen as well.

Ashwin Kennedy, Ndumiso Lutshetu, Bongani Mvamveki, and Siyabonga Witbooi were arrested and spent almost six years behind bars before their sentencing on Wednesday.
 
Smith said they were grateful that justice had prevailed, although the loved ones of the two officers waited nearly six years for this moment.
 
Smith said during sentencing, Judge Daniel Thulare highlighted the traumatic impact that the passing of those who die in the line of duty has on entire communities, as well as their colleagues. 
 
He said it was cold comfort as the sentencing will never right the horrific act of extreme violence that was perpetrated against the officers who were serving the community.
 
Smith added that the acts were cowardly and unforgivable.