The Mthatha High Court sentenced Andani Monco (36), Kwanele Ndlwana (28), Sipho Tshefu (age not known by the accused) and Phumzile Mhlatywa (51) for five counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, numerous counts of possession of unlicensed of firearms and ammunition, numerous counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and housebreaking with an intent to commit an offence, yesterday, October 16.
Hawks’ spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said their co-accused Siphesilhle Tatsi (age not known) has since been sentenced to effective 18 years direct imprisonment as some counts in his collective 241 years sentence run concurrently after pleading guilty on July 27, 2023.
According to Mgolodela, February 2018, five police officials who were attached to Engcobo police station were killed and had their firearms robbed, police van robbed as well.
“The accused further attempted to bomb a Capitec Bank Automatic Teller Machines (ATM). Responding to information received Monco, Ndlwana, Tshefu, Mhlatywa and Tatsi who belonged to the Mancoba Seven Angels Church were arrested and seven were killed during the shootout with police a few days after the horrific police murder incident. The accused were remanded in custody since their arrest,” said Mgolodela.
She added that after the sentencing of Tatsi on July 27, 2023, the remaining four opted for the trial route hence their conviction on May 17.
According to her sentencing was remanded several times until October 16, when Mthatha High Court sentenced them as follows:
- Monco (36) with some counts running concurrently, will effectively serve 35 years direct imprisonment.
- Mhlatywa (51) also with some counts running concurrently will effectively serve 25 years direct imprisonment.
- Ndlwana (28) and Tshefu (age unknown) will each serve 40 years direct imprisonment sentence.
“All the effective sentence for each accused will run concurrently with the five life sentences.
The sentencing of the four accused is welcomed by the Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya as it would send a stern warning to perpetrators. He further warned the public to be cautious and exercise their discerning ability when dealing with matter of religion and not befall victims of cult.
