Durban, South Africa – Faith Nongcebo Ntombela (44) has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her husband, Captain Zwelakhe Ntombela, a Durban Metro Police officer. The court also handed her additional sentences for related charges, culminating in a significant verdict for a crime that shook the Umlazi community.
The Murder of Captain Zwelakhe Ntombela
Captain Ntombela was fatally shot outside his home in Umlazi on May 3, 2023. Following the incident, a murder case was opened at the Umlazi police station and assigned to the Hawks’ Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit. Their investigation uncovered shocking details implicating Nongcebo, who had stolen both her husband’s private and service firearms prior to the shooting.
Arrests and Recovery of Firearms
The breakthrough came in July 2023 when Mzo Ntombela (28) was apprehended in Msinga during a joint operation by the Hawks and the National Intervention Unit. Authorities discovered Captain Ntombela’s stolen firearms at Mzo's family home in KwaMaphumulo.
Mzo’s arrest led to the capture of his accomplices, including Nongcebo, Khulani Cele, and Sithembiso Khumalo. Mzo later pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Sentencing
Nongcebo faced trial for her involvement and was sentenced to:
- Life imprisonment for murder,
- 10 years for theft of firearms, and
- 2 years for defeating the ends of justice.
The court ruled that her sentences would run concurrently. Meanwhile, the trials of her co-accused, Cele and Khumalo, are scheduled to continue in April 2025.
Justice for Captain Ntombela
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to a case that highlighted betrayal and loss within the family of a dedicated police officer. The Hawks commended their investigative team for bringing the perpetrators to justice, ensuring that those involved are held accountable.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling violent crime and safeguarding the legacy of law enforcement officers like Captain Ntombela, whose life was tragically cut short.
Stay ahead of the news with HMR News Updates — where the truth matters most.
Follow us for more updates on this story:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | TikTok
Contact Us:
Email: info@hmrnewsupdates.com
Phone: +27 66 427 6676
HMR News Updates — Your trusted source for breaking news.
© 2024 HMR Media.
