Gauteng Traffic Officer Sentenced To Life For Killing Wife In Front Of Children

A Gauteng traffic officer, Zakhele Hlongwane, has been sentenced to life imprisonment and an additional seven years by the Pretoria High Court for the murder of his wife, Tili Ngobeni.

The 53-year-old was convicted of premeditated murder, pointing a firearm, and malicious damage to property.

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He received life imprisonment for the murder, five years for pointing a firearm, and two years for property damage. The sentences will run concurrently. The court also declared him unfit to own a firearm.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the fatal shooting occurred on 1 April 2024 at Ngobeni’s home in Mamelodi. Hlongwane forced open her bedroom door and shot her several times while their five- and three-year-old children were present.

Crime Committed in Front of Children

Mahanjana said that after the shooting, Ngobeni’s cousin heard gunshots and emerged from his room.

Hlongwane then pointed the firearm at him before leaving the scene. “About an hour later, he handed himself over to the Mamelodi Police Station. The NPA successfully opposed his bail, and he has been in custody since,” said Mahanjana.

During court proceedings, Hlongwane pleaded guilty, claiming he had been emotionally overwhelmed and did not intend to kill his wife.

His defence lawyer requested a lighter sentence, citing that Hlongwane was a first-time offender, had shown remorse, and had written apology letters to Ngobeni’s family and community.

However, State Advocate Vusimuzi Tshabalala dismissed the claim of remorse, arguing that the apology only came after conviction, showing regret rather than true repentance.

Judge Condemns Brutality and the Officer’s Lack of Remorse

Tshabalala stressed that as a police officer, husband, and father, Hlongwane had a duty to protect, not harm, his family. He further emphasised that femicide remains a serious crisis in South Africa, and no emotional distress can justify such an act.

In delivering the judgment, Judge Mashudu Munzhelele concurred with the State, saying Hlongwane displayed no genuine remorse and had committed an extremely brutal act against someone he was supposed to love and protect.

“As a law enforcement official, he was expected to uphold the law and not violate it as he did. Imposing a lesser sentence would undermine the severity of this offence,” said Judge Munzhelele.

The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to reduce the punishment and confirmed the life sentence for Hlongwane.

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