Policeman’s wife sentenced to life imprisonment for murder
During the investigation, it was discovered that his private and service firearms were stolen by his wife before the shooting incident.
The Durban High Court sentenced Faith Nongcebo Ntombela (44) to life imprisonment for the murder of her husband, Captain Zwelakhe Ntombela, who was stationed at the Durban Metro Police.
Cpt Ntombela was shot and killed while he was arriving at his home in Umlazi on May 3, 2023. A case of murder was reported at Umlazi police station and the case docket was allocated to Hawks from Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation for intensive investigation.
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During the investigation, it was discovered that his private and service firearms were stolen by his wife before the shooting incident.
In July last year, Mzo Ntombela (28) was arrested by the Hawks working together with the National Intervention Unit at the Msinga area where he was hiding. Cpt Ntombela’s firearms were recovered at Mzo’s homestead in KwaMaphumulo.
Lt Col Simphiwe Mhlongo of the Hawks said that Mzo’s arrest led to the arrest of his accomplices, Nongcebo, Khulani Cele and Sithembiso Khumalo. Mzo appeared in court a few times and he pleaded guilty. He was then sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder.
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“Nongcebo was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years imprisonment for theft of firearms and two years imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice. Her sentence will run concurrently. Cele and Khumalo will continue with the trial in April 2025,” he added.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation provincial head, Maj Gen Lesetja Senona welcomed the sentence and commended the officers for the good work of presenting a well-investigated docket before court.
