Policeman Sentenced For Murder

The New Brighton Regional Court sentenced police officer Silumko Wiseman Majola, to a collective 24 years imprisonment term.  He was sentenced to 15 years for murder, five years for attempted murder, three years for negligent use of a firearm, and 12 months for reckless endangerment to persons.

On 02 October 2014, Majola, who was a police constable stationed at Kabega Park, quarrelled with the deceased at a tavern in Zidwe Township.  During their argument which was a result of a remark Majola had made to the deceased’s girlfriend, he told the deceased that; “as you are a hero, you will become a zero”.  The deceased fled the place, with Majola and his friend in pursuit, but they could not catch up with him.

On the following evening, he met the deceased, who was in the company of his twin and confronted him again.  The deceased’s twin tried to intervene but when Majola drew a firearm, they tried to flee.  Shots went off, and the deceased fell while holding on to his twin.  Majola continued shooting him, while he was on the ground. During the shooting, a bystander also got hit by a bullet.

During the trial, Majola pleaded not guilty, claiming to have been acting in self-defence. That was rejected by the court, as prosecutor Tracy Brown led eyewitness evidence to the contrary.  The court agreed with the prosecution, that Majola deserved a harsh punishment because as a police official, he should have known better.

Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, welcomed the sentence and commended the prosecution and investigating team for acting without fear or favour or prejudice by ensuring that even one of them faces the full might of the law.   

ENDS

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 0475012630

Cell: 0735559292

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za