IPID welcomes a sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment imposed on Limpopo police officer for murder of a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on 26 January last year.

Sergeant Headman Mathe (38), who was stationed at Hoedspruit SAPS, had an altercation with Sipho Mongwenya (33), a member of the SANDF, at the Kinimambo tavern at around 02h30.

Mongwenya later went to Hoedspruit Police Station to report a case but was advised to return later as he was intoxicated.

At around 03h00, Sergeant Mathe also arrived at the police station and encountered Mongwenya at the gate. Mathe shot Mongwenya several times, fatally wounding him. Paramedics were called to the scene and declared Mongwenya dead.

The High Court of South Africa: Limpopo Division sentenced Sergeant Mathe to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for murder.

Media enquiries:
Lizzy Suping
060 525 2822
Lsuping@ipid.gov.za
Phaladi Shuping
078 459 7772
Pshuping@ipid.gov.za
Issued by:
ISSUED BY THE INDEPENDENT POLICE INVESTIGATIVE DIRECTORATE (IPID)