Mastermind of Chester Butcheries hijacking sentenced to life for murder of Durban metro officer

The Durban High Court has sentenced Mlungisi Phakamani Mpanza to life imprisonment for the murder of Durban metro police officer Errol George Ogle during the hijacking of a Chester Butcheries meat truck on the M7 near Queensburgh in July 2023.

Co-accused Mzomuhle Lawrence Gamede was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances and three years for kidnapping. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

The court heard that Mpanza and Gamede hijacked the truck on July 20, 2023, after Mpanza allegedly sought revenge against Chester Butcheries following his dismissal for participating in an illegal strike.

The pair kidnapped truck driver Kishore Lakraj before attempting to steal a meat cargo valued at R731,530. However, the truck's gears locked about 50 metres after the hijacking, leaving it stranded on the M7 off-ramp facing oncoming traffic.

Ogle stopped to investigate the incident but was shot in the chest before he could leave his patrol vehicle. He died at the scene.

Evidence presented in court showed that Mpanza had orchestrated the robbery and intended to sell the stolen meat to another butchery.

Judge Garth Harrison sentenced Mpanza to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and three years for kidnapping. The sentences will run concurrently.

In sentencing, Harrison said there were no substantial and compelling circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentences, despite both accused being first offenders who chose not to testify in mitigation.

He said courts should not depart from minimum sentences for "flimsy reasons", adding that Mpanza had assembled a team to carry out the robbery.

The judge also noted that because the victim was a police officer, life imprisonment was the prescribed minimum sentence for the murder conviction.

Both Mpanza and Gamede, who were implicated by a Section 204 witness, indicated after sentencing that they intended to appeal both their convictions and sentences.

Outside court, Ogle's widow, Faith, welcomed the outcome, saying it had been a long journey for her family.

"It brings closure, and now it's time for healing," she said.

Faith said she and her two sons were slowly rebuilding their lives, adding that there were fewer tears and that happiness was gradually returning to their home.

Commenting on the planned appeal applications, she said she remained confident the sentences would stand.

The applications for leave to appeal are expected to be heard on Thursday morning.

IOL