KEY POINTS
- Ex-police officer sentenced to seven years for attempted murder.
- He fired shots at a funeral after a dispute over loud music.
- Victim suffered gunshot wounds but survived after medical treatment.
A court sentenced Constable Tiyani Leonard Ndhlovu, a former South African police officer, to seven years in prison after convicting him of attempted murder.
The Limpopo Magistrate’s Court handed down the sentencing after the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) conducted an investigation.
The incident, which took place in December 2020, started when Ndhlovu, stationed at Welkom Police Station in the Free State, was driving through Navele village in Limpopo.
According to IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping, he was playing loud music near a funeral gathering when family members asked him to lower the volume.
An argument broke out, escalating to a point where Ndhlovu drew a firearm. However, the family managed to disarm him, and he left the scene—only to return later with his service pistol.
Shots fired, one man injured
Upon returning, Ndhlovu opened fire randomly at the funeral attendees. One of his bullets struck Musa Nghonyama, who was sitting in his car at the time.
Nghonyama suffered gunshot wounds to his right ear and right shoulder and was immediately rushed to a hospital for emergency medical care.
According to IOL, authorities quickly alerted IPID, which launched an investigation and led to Ndhlovu’s arrest. The legal system later granted Ndhlovu bail while his trial progressed.
Sentencing and firearm ban
During the sentencing hearing, the court found Ndhlovu guilty of attempted murder. In addition to his seven-year sentence, the court declared him unfit to possess a firearm. This permanently revokes his ability to carry a gun.
“This verdict reinforces the zero-tolerance stance on police misconduct, ensuring that officers are held accountable for their actions,” said IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping.
The case demonstrates current worries about police brutality and wrongful weapon abuse in South Africa. Authorities emphasize the need for strict discipline and accountability within law enforcement.
