Cape man gets life for killing cop

A Cape Town man was sentenced to life for killing a police officer and for the attempted murder of another officer.

Cape Town - A man was sentenced to life in prison by the Western Cape High Court for killing a police officer and for the attempted murder of another officer, police said on Tuesday.

Police spokesman FC van Wyk said Langa resident Siphiwo Zondani, 38, stood trial after he shot and killed Detective Constable Mthetheleli Shephard Gunya and fired several shots at Constable Vuyolwethu Mantashe in October 2014 in Nyanga.

“The two members, accompanied by Sergeant Mruyisi Booi went to New Flats in Nyanga to look for a suspect in an unrelated matter. The suspect was found and the deceased [Gunya] arrested the suspect. While the deceased was busy with the arrest the accused, a friend of the suspect, fired several shots at the deceased and killed him,” Van Wyk said.

“Zondani and the suspect fled the scene. Zondani fired several shots at Constable Mantashe as he ran away. Constable Gunya was declared dead at the scene after he suffered a gunshot to the head.”

In addition to a life sentence for the murder, Judge Elize Steyn sentenced Zondani to 10 years for the attempted murder of Mantashe and five years for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentences would run concurrently.

ANA