Ekurhuleni Metro Police Officer sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for 18 February 2017 murder in Tembisa

The IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) would like to share with the public out there about the good story to tell. The story emanates from the quality and professional investigations conducted by our Senior Investigator, Ms Judy Thwala.

On 18 February 2017 an on duty officer, 42-year-old Vusi Myeni from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department stationed in Kempton park (EMDP) gave chase to the driver of a red Golf motor vehicle in eCaleni Section, Tembisa. During the motor vehicle chase the said driver dumped the vehicle and disappeared towards houses. The officer fired shots from his official handgun and in the process of the shooting by the officer an innocent 33-year-old Tembisa man was killed. The deceased was identified as Sthembiso Tshabalala.

IPID took over the matter and at the end of investigations the officer was charged for murder and appeared before Gauteng South High court in Johannesburg. On the basis of the strength of the evidence collected by our investigator as well as the testimony given by the witnesses the court found the officer guilty. The officer was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment of which he has started to serve it with immediate effect. The message from IPID’s Acting Executive Director Mr Victor Ofentse Senna is that; well done to all IPID committed and dedicated investigators. We also want to thank the Provincial management in continuously giving guidance and support to our foot soldiers, namely our investigators. In addition, Mr Senna would like to thank the cooperation that the witnesses gave at the beginning, during and even after the conclusion of this case. We trust that despite the fact that the family lost their beloved one, at least we can just hope that the deceased’s family can now reach closure on this matter. Well done to Ms Judy Thwala, we are proud of you.

Issued by the Independ Police Investigative Directorate

For more information, please contact
Mr Sontaga Seisa
Acting National Spokesperson
079 433 2663/012 3990049/50
sseisa@ipid.gov.za