Key Points
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Four men received two life sentences each for officer killings.
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The officers were ambushed and robbed of their firearms.
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Police recovered stolen weapons during suspect arrests.
The Western Cape High Court sentenced four men to life in prison for killing two law enforcement officers.
The incident happened in Samora Machel, Cape Town, in 2019. On September 4 of that year, the officers were patrolling the Sweethome Farm area in the Vlei informal settlement.
Suddenly, four armed men attacked them. The suspects shot the officers and stole their service firearms. After the assault, they fled the scene.
Emergency responders rushed the wounded officers to the hospital. Sadly, both victims died from their injuries.
Police arrested suspects and recovered firearms
Following the attack, the Provincial Organised Crime Unit launched an intensive investigation.
Within days, officers arrested three suspects: Ashwin Kennedy, 22; Ndumiso Lutshetu, 18; and Bongani Mvamveki, 36. Later, they also captured a fourth suspect, Siyabonga Witbooi, 35.
During the arrests, police recovered the stolen firearms and ammunition. Forensic testing linked the weapons to the murder scene.
Investigators built a strong case against the men. As a result, the court denied them bail. They remained behind bars throughout the trial.
On May 20, 2025, the Western Cape High Court delivered its final judgment. The court found all four men guilty of two counts of murder.
Each man received two life sentences. Additionally, the court gave each of them 15 years for possessing illegal firearms and ammunition.
Justice system sends strong message to criminals
Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape Police Commissioner, welcomed the ruling. He praised the officers who worked tirelessly to ensure justice.
“This outcome shows our full commitment to protecting those who risk their lives to serve the public,” he said. “It also sends a clear warning to criminals who threaten law enforcement.”
Officer killings remain a serious concern in South Africa, especially in crime-prone areas like the Western Cape. Authorities say the justice system will continue to pursue offenders aggressively.
