Constable convicted of murder for shooting 15 year old – Taylor’s Halt, Kwazulu-Natal

Thirty-one (31) year old Taylor’s Halt police Constable Hlengiwe Mkhize, of Etsheni area in Vulindlela, was convicted of murder and attempted murder by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 18 February 2013. Her conviction follows an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) which led to her arrest on 17 August 2012. She was convicted for shooting and killing fifteen year old Mlindeli Ngobo with her service firearm on 07 July 2012.

Mlindeli, who was with three other occupants in the car, accidentally bumped the accused’s car. The accused and the victim had agreed to go to a police station to report the accident. However, the accused fired two shots at Mlindeli’s car, hitting him in the head. He died in hospital.

The accused opened a case of attempted high-jacking after the accident and alleged that she had shot the deceased in self-defence.

The accused was found guilty of murder and four counts of attempted murder. She will be sentenced on 01 March 2013.

The IPID is satisfied with the conviction as it sends a message to rouge police officers that they will be held accountable by the criminal justice system of our country. This conviction also brings closure for the family of the deceased.

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate

For enquiries:
IPID National Spokesman
Moses Dlamini
082 809 1927
mdlamini@ipid.gov.za