Durban metro officer’s wife sentenced to life in prison for his murder

Durban metro officer’s wife sentenced to life in prison for his murder! Faith Nongcebo Ntombela, 44, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Durban High Court on Friday for orchestrating the murder of her husband, Captain Zwelakhe Ntombela, a Durban Metro Police officer.

The court found Nongcebo guilty of hiring hitmen to carry out the crime, which occurred in Umlazi on May 3, 2023.

The Crime

According to Hawks KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, Captain Ntombela was shot and killed as he arrived home.

A murder case was opened at the Umlazi police station and was assigned to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for further inquiry.

During the investigation, evidence revealed that Nongcebo had stolen both her husband’s private and service firearms before the murder.

Arrests and Recovery of Firearms

The investigation led to a breakthrough in July 2023 when 28-year-old Mzo Ntombela was arrested by the Hawks and National Intervention Unit in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal. At the time of his arrest, the firearms belonging to Captain Ntombela were recovered from Mzo’s homestead in KwaMaphumulo.

Mzo’s apprehension was instrumental in exposing the broader conspiracy, implicating Nongcebo and her accomplices, Khulani Cele and Sithembiso Khumalo.

Role of the Accomplices

The court heard that Nongcebo, an Umlazi court employee, sought the assistance of primary school principal Sithembiso Khumalo, 53, to find a hitman. Together, they enlisted Mzo to execute the crime.

Mzo later pleaded guilty to the murder charge and received a 20-year prison sentence.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

On Friday, the court handed Nongcebo a life sentence for the murder of Captain Ntombela. She was also sentenced to:

• 10 years imprisonment for the theft of firearms.
• Two years imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice.

The court ruled that her sentences would run concurrently. Meanwhile, her co-accused, Cele and Khumalo, are set to continue their trial in April 2025.

Reaction from Authorities

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Lesetja Senona, expressed satisfaction with the sentence, emphasizing the importance of justice in combating violent crime.

“This sentence sends a clear message that criminal behavior, especially involving the murder of law enforcement officers, will not be tolerated. We commend the investigators for their dedication to uncovering the truth and ensuring those responsible are held accountable,” said Senona.

A Chilling Betrayal

The case has shocked the Umlazi community, highlighting a chilling betrayal within a marriage. Captain Ntombela, a dedicated police officer, was targeted by his own spouse in a premeditated plot fueled by greed or ulterior motives.

The theft of the firearms before the murder underscores the meticulous planning that went into the crime, further aggravating Nongcebo’s culpability.

Broader Implications

This case adds to the growing concern about intimate partner violence and its deadly consequences in South Africa. It also underscores the importance of stringent investigations and judicial processes in addressing such crimes.

The life sentence handed to Nongcebo demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to sending a strong message against premeditated violence, particularly when it involves those entrusted with upholding the law.

Justice for Captain Ntombela

While Nongcebo faces life behind bars, the trial of her accomplices, Cele and Khumalo, will provide further insights into the conspiracy. For Captain Ntombela’s family and colleagues, the sentencing is a step toward closure, though the scars of the betrayal and loss will linger.

The Hawks’ investigative prowess in this case highlights their critical role in addressing organized and violent crime in South Africa, ensuring that justice prevails even in the most complex cases.

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