Police Officer Jailed 15 Years For Alcohol-Fueled Murder

In a tragic turn of events, a police officer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the alcohol-fueled murder of his acquaintance.

The incident occurred following a seemingly minor dispute over the use of the term inkwenkwe, meaning “boy” in isiXhosa.

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Busikhaya Zinto, a 42-year-old policeman, fatally shot 35-year-old Mthibeli Lehana during a night out in Fanta Location, Eastern Cape, on 25 November 2019.

The Mount Fletcher Regional Court found Zinto guilty of murder after a dramatic and tense trial.

The Deadly Argument And Fatal Shot

The incident unfolded on the evening of 25 November 2019 when Zinto, Lehana, and a group of friends were drinking alcohol while traveling together in the same vehicle.

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During the trip, an argument broke out between Zinto and Lehana over the use of the word inkwenkwe, a term in isiXhosa that can be considered derogatory depending on the context.

In some Xhosa cultural settings, the term inkwenkwe may be used as an insult or an indication of disrespect.

While the vehicle was still in motion, the argument escalated, and Zinto pulled out his firearm.

In a moment of rage, he shot Lehana on the left side of his ribs.

Due to the loud music in the car and their level of intoxication, the other passengers did not immediately see what had occurred, but they heard the gunshot and noticed the strong smell of gunpowder.

Once the vehicle came to a stop, Zinto exited the car, leaving his firearm behind, and disappeared from the scene.

The group of friends rushed Lehana to the hospital, but despite their best efforts, he succumbed to the gunshot wound and died.

Investigation And Trial Of Officer Zinto

After the fatal shooting, Zinto fled the scene and was later apprehended at his home.

The police officer was arrested and charged with murder.

During the trial, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) presented crucial evidence from two witnesses who were inside the vehicle when the shooting occurred.

Additionally, a police officer took gunpowder residue samples from all those in the vehicle, further linking Zinto to the crime.

Zinto pleaded not guilty to the charges and attempted to place the blame on other passengers in the car.

He claimed that he was not at fault and suggested that others in the vehicle were responsible for the incident.

However, during cross-examination by regional court prosecutor Zonke Maranjana, Zinto contradicted himself multiple times.

His statements changed repeatedly, attempting to discredit one of the witnesses and claim a strained relationship with him.

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The court dismissed his version of events as improbable, ultimately leading to his conviction.

Court Sentences Zinto To 15 Years In Prison

The Mount Fletcher Regional Court sentenced Busikhaya Zinto to 15 years of imprisonment for the murder of Mthibeli Lehana.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court declared Zinto unfit to possess a firearm, a decision that holds particular weight given his profession as a police officer.

Barry Madolo, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Eastern Cape, condemned Zinto’s actions and emphasized the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable for violent crimes.

“Zinto should have known better as a police officer. The NPA will continue to ensure that those who commit violent crimes are brought to justice, regardless of their position,” Madolo stated.

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