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In a significant ruling that highlights the South African justice system's tough stance on violent crime, the Mthatha High Court has delivered a heavy sentence to the perpetrators behind the gruesome attack on the Engcobo police station. On October 16, 2024, the court sentenced four members of a cult, involved in the killing of five police officials, to multiple life terms and additional years for a series of heinous crimes.
Andani Monco, Kwanele Ndlwana, Siphosomzi Tshefu, and Phumzile Mhlatywa received five counts of murder and were convicted of additional offences, including two counts of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and housebreaking. Their co-accused, Siphesihle Tatsi, had previously been sentenced on July 27, 2023, to an effective 18-year imprisonment after pleading guilty to related charges.
On February 21, 2018, the accused, associated with the Mancoba Seven Angels church, callously murdered five police officers and raided the Engcobo police station, looting several firearms and ammunition before making off with a police van. In a further display of their criminal intent, they attempted to bomb an ATM.
The swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement eventually led to the arrest of Monco, Ndlwana, Tshefu, Mhlatywa, and Tatsi, following a tip-off. However, the arrest was marred by violence, and a shootout ensued, resulting in seven additional deaths among the cult members.
The culprits chose to stand trial rather than plead guilty, with their convictions ultimately occurring on May 17, 2024. Sentencing took place after several remands, with the following outcomes:
- Andani Monco (36) was handed a 35-year direct imprisonment term, with some sentences running concurrently.
- Phumzile Mhlatywa (51) received 25 years direct imprisonment, also subject to concurrency in sentencing.
- Both Kwanele Ndlwana (28) and Siphosomzi Tshefu, whose age remains unknown, will each serve a 40-year direct imprisonment sentence.
All the effective sentences will run concurrently with their respective five life sentences.
The sentencing has been praised by Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Provincial Head, who remarked that it serves as a powerful deterrent against such crimes. Major General Ngwenya also emphasized the need for the public to exercise discernment in religious matters to avoid falling prey to cult manipulations. This landmark ruling sends a clear signal that the South African legal system is uncompromising in its condemnation and treatment of violent and organized crime.