KEY POINTS
- Western Cape officer sentenced to 41 years for a fatal shooting.
- Nine people, including a child, were injured in the rampage.
- Court found Nkonzo guilty on all charges, including murder.
A Western Cape police officer has been sentenced to 41 years in prison after fatally shooting his wife’s sister and injuring nine others, including a young child, during a violent outburst at a children’s party.
The Western Cape High Court handed Constable Bonani Nkonzo an 18-year sentence for murder, another 18 years for multiple attempted murder charges, and five years for malicious damage to property.
The tragic incident took place on October 28, 2018, when Nkonzo returned home during a family gathering and got into a domestic altercation with his wife.
According to Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Lizzy Suping, Nkonzo fired indiscriminately. He moved from room to room while using his service firearm.
His wife’s sister was killed, and nine others, including a nine-year-old child, suffered gunshot wounds. His wife was also shot in the head but survived the attack.
Shocking rampage led to swift police response
When the horrific shooting occurred, it plunged the crowd into disarray, and authorities were quickly alerted to the unfolding tragedy.
According to IOL, police arrested Nkonzo on the same day, launching an extensive investigation into the violent attack at his residence.
Investigators collected testimonies from witnesses and processed forensic evidence in their investigation to understand what happened before the shooting.
The case focused on domestic violence among law enforcement officers and their misuse of firearms.
Court delivers guilty verdict and lengthy prison sentence
During the trial, the Western Cape High Court found Nkonzo guilty on all charges, including one count of murder and nine counts of attempted murder.
After considering the evidence, the court ruled that his actions were deliberate and warranted a severe sentence.
Authorities have commended the work of investigators and the legal system in holding Nkonzo accountable for his actions.
His sentencing serves as a strong warning against domestic violence and the misuse of firearms by those in law enforcement.
