A Durban Metro Police officer’s wife, Faith Nongcebo Ntombela, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her husband, Captain Zwelakhe Ntombela. The tragic incident occurred on 3 May 2023 when Captain Ntombela was shot and killed as he arrived home in Umlazi.
Investigations reveal stolen firearms
Following the murder, investigations uncovered that Faith Ntombela had stolen both her husband’s private and service firearms shortly before he was killed. It was also revealed that she had enlisted the help of her co-accused, primary school principal Sithembiso Khumalo, to find a hitman.
The first suspect, 28-year-old Mzo Ntombela, was apprehended in July last year in the Msinga area. Captain Ntombela’s firearms were recovered at Mzo’s homestead in KwaMaphumulo. This arrest led to the capture of two more suspects, Khulani Cele and Sithembiso Khumalo.
Mzo pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for the murder. The trial of Cele and Khumalo is set to continue in April 2025.
Life imprisonment for Nongcebo
On Friday, Faith Ntombela was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her husband. Additionally, she received 10 years for the theft of firearms and two years for defeating the ends of justice, with her sentences running concurrently.
Major General Lesetja Senona of the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal welcomed the sentencing of Nongcebo, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
Separate murder case sentencing
In a separate case, the Kimberley Regional Court sentenced 35-year-old Mosala Shuping Patrick Hottie to 10 years imprisonment for the murder of 34-year-old Thabisho Malatsi. The victim was fatally stabbed by the accused in Manong Street in Vergenoeg.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa, reiterated the priority placed on addressing contact crimes, with a particular focus on reinforcing efforts during the festive season to combat such offenses.
These cases serve as reminders of the importance of upholding justice and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions in our society.
