Mthatha high court judge Richard Griffiths on Wednesday sentenced four Mancoba Seven Angels Ministries killer cult members to five life terms each and 155 years in prison for the murders of five police officers and a string of robberies, comparing their actions to Middle East terror attacks.
“One can liken this to certain military activities in the Middle East today.
“At least, one hopes, those military activities are to a degree subject to the rules of war whereas the actions of that night were not.
“Policemen were not only murdered, they were slaughtered ... the perpetrators had absolutely no compassion for [their lives].”
Andani Monco, 35, Kwanele Ndlwana, 27, Siphosomzi Tshefu, 26, and Phumzile Mhlatywa, 52, faced 22 charges — including five counts of murder, two of attempted murder, one of conspiracy, seven of robbery with aggravating circumstances, three of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, one of possession of a firearm/ammunition with intent to commit an offence, and one of housebreaking relating to a foiled bank robbery.
They were found not guilty of conspiracy.
Ndlwana and Tshefu were sentenced to an additional 30 years — 15 years for the robbery of a Butterworth policeman of his service pistol in November 21 2017, 15 years for robbery of a Cala policewoman of her service pistol, and the theft of firearms used in the killing of policemen in Ngcobo.
Monco’s effective sentence was 35 years’ imprisonment while Mhlatywa will serve 25 years.
Though Ndlwana and Tshefu have been sentenced to 185 years in prison, their effective sentence is 40 years as the sentences will run concurrently.
The judge said the effective sentences of 35 years, 25 years and 40 years imprisonment “will run concurrently with the five sentences of life imprisonment.
“None of the accused have shown any remorse whatsoever,” Griffiths said.
“It is also difficult ... to believe that there is any real chance of rehabilitation.”
He said the families of the policemen could not have closure.
“They suffered to the extent that they do not want to have anything to do with this trial,” Griffiths said.
“There is little doubt in my mind that each of the accused, to a degree, was brainwashed into believing the ethos and principles applied by this cult were steeped in Christianity and to be followed without question.
“The accused themselves denied any form of brainwashing.”
In aggravation of sentence in the previous court appearance, the state prosecutor — whose name is being withheld for security reasons — argued against concurrent sentences.
In May 2024, the four cult members were found guilty of the crimes committed in Ngcobo.
On February 21 2018, the men shot dead Constables Sibongiseni Sandlana, 32, Kuhle Mathetha, 27, Zuko Ntsheku, 38, Nkosiphendule Pongco, 32, and Warrant Officer Zuko Mbini, 39.
Two other policemen, Awonke Njobe and Mvelisi Simoyi, were also targeted but survived.
The four men represented themselves throughout the six-year trial, pleading not guilty to all charges, and highlighted their good behaviour during their six years and eight months in custody.
They had been in custody since February 23 2018, after their arrest at the Mancoba church compound in Khalanyana village.
During a police raid on the compound, seven people, including three Mancoba brothers — Thandazile, 38, Xolisa, 37, and Philile, 33 — were killed in a shootout with a police task force.
Former co-accused Siphesihle Tatsi, 24, pleaded guilty to all 20 charges in July 2023 and was sentenced to 241 years’ imprisonment, effectively serving 18 years as the sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
A sixth accused, Phuthumile Mancoba, 42, pleaded guilty in December 2018 and was sentenced to a R1,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice, and a further R10,000 fine or 24 months in prison for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Sandlana’s elderly father Mayenzeke said he wanted to put it behind him.
“Whatever the sentence, it will never bring back my son. He was a breadwinner, a young man passionate about education and serving the country ...
“They can be sentenced to life, but the state will spend taxpayers’ money to take care of them, paying for their education and doing everything for them while we as families suffer.
“The state continues to favour criminals over victims. I don’t doubt that in 20 years they will be released on parole ...” Sandlana said.
Bulelani Mathetha‚ a retired school principal‚ said he had accepted that his son was gone forever.
“They deserved the death penalty, nothing else.
“My son will remain in my memory as a handsome, disciplined, diligent and humble young man,” Mathetha said.
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