A Gauteng-based police officer has been sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of a 25-year-old man in Polokwane.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) confirmed that Constable Senyolo Phetolo was convicted and sentenced by the Polokwane Regional Court for the fatal shooting, which occurred on 16 February last year.
At the time of the incident, Phetolo was stationed at Johannesburg Central SAPS.
According to IPID, the constable had been driving with friends in Polokwane when they stopped at the corner of Dahl and Thabo Mbeki streets. The victim, identified as Teffu, approached the group and asked for money.
An argument broke out between Teffu and Phetolo, but the situation initially de-escalated when one of the passengers handed money to the victim, who then walked away.
However, Phetolo reportedly exited the vehicle and followed Teffu. He allegedly grabbed the man by the collar and fired a shot at close range. The bullet struck Teffu in the back and exited through his chest, resulting in his death.
Following the shooting, Phetolo returned to his vehicle and drove off in the direction of Mokopane.
The matter was subsequently reported to IPID, which launched an investigation leading to Phetolo’s arrest and prosecution on a charge of murder.
In addition to the 15-year prison sentence, the court declared Phetolo unfit to possess a firearm.
IPID has welcomed the sentence, describing it as a step towards accountability within law enforcement and justice for victims of police-related crimes.
