The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and the ANC in the province have welcomed the life sentence handed down to a hitman who murdered a Richmond municipal manager in 2017.
Convicted hitman Sabelo Phewa, who was found guilty of the brutal murders of Richmond municipal manager Sibusiso Sithole and of Amos Ngcobo was sentenced in the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday.
The court handed down life sentences to Phewa for the 2017 killings, along with additional sentences for attempted murder of police officers, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The KZN Cogta department said in a statement that Sithole was gunned down outside the Richmond licensing office on March 3, 2017, moments before he was due to attend a council meeting. Ngcobo was shot dead in a separate incident in 2017.
Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi welcomed the conviction and sentencing.
“The sentencing of Mr Phewa brings a measure of justice to the families of Mr Sithole and Mr Ngcobo, and to the people of Richmond. It is a strong message that those who seek to undermine governance through violence and intimidation will be held accountable.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to clean governance and the protection of those who serve the public with integrity.”
The MEC also commended the sterling work of the SAPS Political Killings Task Team who had investigated the cases.
“I wish to extend my appreciation to the Political Killings Task Team for their unwavering dedication and professionalism. Their efforts have not only brought closure to these cases but have also contributed to restoring public confidence in the justice system.
“Their work continues to be a beacon of hope in the fight against politically motivated violence,” said MEC Buthelezi.
The ANC in KZN also welcomed the sentences handed down.
“This ruling is a strong demonstration that those who undermine the rule of law will face the full might of justice. Equally, the ANC believes that such a heavy sentence sends an uncompromising message that criminality, violence, and political killings will not be tolerated in our province.
“The ANC reiterates its call for communities to work closely with law enforcement agencies to root out hitmen, criminal syndicates, and their sponsors.”
THE MERCURY
