The South Gauteng High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, has sentenced 35-year-old Const Benson Lwayiphi Lufele to 18 years for murder and six years for attempted murder.
The sentence follows the accused’s conviction, by the same court, in December 2013.
Lufele was convicted and sentenced for killing another policeman, 48-year-old Capt Mthembeni Walter Sibisi.
The incident occurred while both the accused and the deceased were off-duty.
It is alleged that, on August 19, at about 10.30pm, Lufele, who was stationed at the Zonkizizwe SAPS, was driving his private vehicle along Enock Sontonga Street, in Katlehong. The victim and his son were driving along the same street, in his private vehicle.
Apparently the two vehicles collided at an intersection, which led to an argument between the policemen, who did not know, at the time, that they were both policemen.
It is alleged that Lufele then took out his firearm and shot the victim in the leg and took away his keys.
It is further alleged that when Sibisi tried to take his keys from the accused, the accused shot him again, several times.
The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the scene.
Lufele was arrested on the scene, for murder.
The IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) conducted an investigation and made recommendations for the prosecution of Lufele on murder and attempted murder charges.
The director of public prosecutions (DPP) agreed with the IPID’s recommendations and the accused was tried for the offences.
The IPID is pleased with the sentence meted out to the constable, and hopes it sends a message that police criminality will not be tolerated.
