Murderer of KZN police officer gets life plus 65 years

A KwaZulu-Natal man has been sentenced to life in prison, plus a further 65 years for arson, attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The sentence stems from the death in 2016 of an off-duty police officer who was attacked at his home in Esikhaleni, near Richard’s Bay, and subsequently died when the property was set on fire.

Stole officer’s firearm and set home alight

Sabelo Gina (37), was convicted in the Mtunzini High Court on Thursday for the killing of Sergeant Sthembiso Dusse (35), who was a member of the Empangeni Public Order Police Unit.

The court heard that Dusse was asleep at his home in the early hours of 5 March 2016, when he was attacked by unknown suspects who stole his firearm and other belongings. Following the robbery, his house was set alight.

Neighbours rushed to the scene to in an attempt to assist Dusse, but he died at the scene from his injuries.

Suspect was arrested a month later with gun

“Following a rigorous investigation, [the] 37-year-old man was arrested at Esikhaleni a month later, after he was found in possession of the deceased’s firearm,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker.

“A shotgun and other items were found hidden in the bushes at Mandlankala Reserve in Esikhaleni. Further investigation revealed that the late police officer’s firearm was used in the shooting of two persons at Esikhaleni and he was positively linked to the two attempted murders.”

The investigation also linked him to the death of Sergeant Dusse.

Another KZN officer killed in line of duty

“We are comforted by the sentence handed down by the Mtunzini High Court. We hope this sentence will bring closure to the deceased’s family and the SAPS family,” said KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula,

Meanwhile, police in KZN are mourning the death of another police officer, 38-year-old Sergeant Nokwanda Patricia Sithembile Phakathi.

She responded to a robbery at a business premises in Nsuze, near Tongaat, when a group of armed trying to break into a safe on the premises opened fire on her and a colleague.