A Kwa Mashu hitman Bafana Biyela, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mthunzini High Court for the murder of a police officer, Warrant Officer Phiwayinkosi Magwaza,( 51) in August 2020.The officer's wife Cebisile Magwaza, who was an accomplice to the murder ,was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. 

Hawks spokesperson Captain Bonnie Nxumalo explained that on the  27th of August 2020, Magwaza was at home at KwaMagwaza Reserve in Melmoth, when unknown gunmen entered his house, assaulted and shot him dead. 

"The assailants also robbed him of his service firearm and fled. The Hawks' investigation led to the arrest of the wife and the Biyela who was arrested in KwaMashu Hostel. He was found in possession of the deceased's firearm. 

Nxumalo said Biyela was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years' imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and 15 years' imprisonment for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. 

Police minister Bheki Cele called on law enforcement to use brute force on criminals who attack them. 

"Get these criminals alive or dead, it would be nice to see them. I wish an opportunity to ask them what happened. The are too many criminals around,"said Minister Cele. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned police killings. 

"Society should mobilize against the killing of our officers. No society can remain silent when criminals have clearly declared war on the police. Our men and women in blue represent the authority of the state and any attack on them is a direct attack on the state and an attack on the people. I call upon all our police members to remain vigilant at all times," said Ramaphosa