A fallen hero mourned
One of these was her investigation into the high-profile case of Empangeni rapist Sandile Xulu (24), which resulted in four life sentences
THE Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is mourning the loss of one of their most dedicated members.
Sergeant Zandile Mbambo (41) passed away on Saturday at Life Empangeni Hospital.
Sergeant Mbambo joined the South African Police Service in 2001 before joining the Empangeni FCS Unit, where she was responsible for a number of major rape convictions.
One of these was her investigation into the high-profile case of Empangeni rapist Sandile Xulu (24), which resulted in four life sentences.
Xulu, commonly known as the ‘satanic rapist’, was convicted and sentenced in December last year on four counts of rape.
ALSO READ: Policewoman dies in Empangeni horror freak crash
In May this year, Sergeant Mbambo’s detective work also secured a conviction of a 25-year-old male accused of rape and displaying pornography to children.
The accused was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
Speaking to the ZO, Lieutenant Colonel Makhosi Ncube of the Empangeni FCS, said these were just a few of the many cases which Sergeant Mbambo worked on.
‘Sergeant Mbambo was one of my pillars of strength. She was strong, yet loving and bubbly.
‘She loved her work so much. She was one of those members whom you could entrust with high-profile cases and it would get solved very quickly.
‘She will be dearly missed by all the members at Empangeni FCS Unit,’ said Ncube.
Sergeant Mbambo leaves behind her husband Mr SR Mngoma and three children Gugu, Khaya and Nosihle.
A memorial service will be held at Iholo Lamakhosi in Ngwelezana this morning (Thursday) at 10am and the funeral service on Saturday at 11am at St Patrick’s Church next to 5Ways Mall in Empangeni.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
