The Western Cape High Court has sentenced four men to two life terms each for the 2019 murders of law enforcement officers Jan Nieuwenhuys and Simthembile Nyangiwe.

The officers were ambushed in broad daylight in Samora Machel while on duty in a marked vehicle. They were shot at 21 times, and their service weapons were stolen. The convicted men—Ndumiso Lutshetu, Ashwin Kennedy, Bongani Mvamveki, and Malibongwe Witbooi—were also found guilty of robbery, unlawful firearm possession, and ammunition charges.

Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile praised the sentence, calling it a “testament to the relentless pursuit of justice.”

“These officers gave their lives to protect the people of this city. Today, justice has spoken on their behalf,” Patekile said. The case has highlighted growing attacks on municipal enforcement officials and the need for better protective measures.