A 55-year-old Mozambican national, Frimino David Matola, has been sentenced to three life terms by the Welkom High Court in the Free State for the murder of a police officer and related serious crimes.
Matola was convicted on charges of murder of a police officer, two counts of attempted murder of police officers, possession of an AK-47 rifle, and being in South Africa illegally. The court heard that the offences were committed during a violent confrontation with police in Welkom.
The judge handed down the maximum sentence, citing the severity of the crimes and the threat posed to law enforcement and public safety.
Matola’s legal troubles are not over. He is still expected to face an additional charge of cash-in-transit robbery, which is set to proceed separately.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentencing, saying it sends a strong message that attacks on police and the illegal possession of firearms will not be tolerated.
