Cape Town cop killer sentenced to 8 years
The accused handed himself over to the Hawks the day after the crime.
Sonyabashe was sentenced to eight years and declared unfit to own a firearm.
Phindile Christopher Sonyabashe, 61, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for the murder of Constable Xolani Xekethwana, 40.
The sentencing took place in the Khayelitsha Priority Court in the Western Cape on Thursday, nearly two years after the death of the police officer.
According to the Hawks, Xekethwana, who was attached to the Makhaza SA Police Service (SAPS) in Cape Town, was off-duty on 3 November 2023 when he attended a social gathering in Mfuleni.
'An argument erupted between the member [Xekethwana] and the accused [Sonyabashe],' said Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani.
READ | Alleged Cape Town traffic cop killer to apply for bail
'The accused took out a knife and stabbed Xekethwana in the neck and back. He fell to the ground and, tragically, passed away upon arrival at the hospital.'
Hani said the case was transferred from the SAPS to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for further investigation.
'The accused handed himself over to the Hawks a day after the incident. The investigating team successfully opposed bail until the accused was sentenced this morning,' Hani said.
Additionally, Sonyabashe was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Acting provincial head of the Hawks in the Western Cape, Brigadier Mushavhaduvha Ramovha, praised the investigating and prosecution teams for their 'job well done in ensuring that the perpetrator faces the full might of the law and justice is finally served'.
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