Political killings task team praised after killer handed 2 life terms for 2017 murders

Police have praised the political killings task team after convicted murderer, Sabelo Phewa, was sentenced to two life terms and 20 years behind bars.

Phewa was convicted of shooting dead Amos Ngcobo in Hillcrest, Durban in 2017, and former Richmond municipal manager, Sibusiso Sithole, in March 2017. 

The Pietermaritzburg High Court sitting in Durban sentenced Phewa on Tuesday.

Sithole was ambushed, shot, and killed while he was probing corruption relating to tenders in the municipality.  

His murder case was taken by the political killings task team.  

Through ballistic analysis, the team established the parallel case of Amos Ngcobo.  

Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe: "Well done to the SAPS political killings task team for cracking this case and ensuring a lengthy conviction for the hitman. Through this case, we were able to link and solve other cases, such as the murder of Amos Ngcobo. The number of life sentences secured by the task team is now more than 30 life sentences secured for several hitmen and hit orders." 

Phewa was also sentenced to 20 years for the attempted murder of a police officer, unlawful possession of a firearm, and ammunition. 

ALSO READ:

• Family of murdered former Richmond municipal manager hoping for mastermind behind his killing nabbed

• Richmond Municipality: Murdered former municipal manager Sibusiso Sithole was a dedicated public servant

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