KZN cop killer jailed for 15 years

A man who fatally stabbed an off-duty police officer in Umlazi more than seven years ago has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars.

Siyabonga Ndawonde, 29, was convicted of murdering Sergeant Zithulele Gama, 50, and sentenced on Monday, 8 September, in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court.

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, said that the incident occurred on 13 April 2018 in Umlazi’s U Section, where Gama, stationed at the Umlazi police station, was off duty at the time. The two allegedly argued, and Ndawonde stabbed Gama several times in his upper body.

"He was rushed to the hospital in his private vehicle and was declared dead on arrival," says Mhlongo

Ndawonde was arrested on the same day and initially appeared in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court, where he was granted bail. However, he later absconded during the trial proceedings.

"During the trial, Ndawonde decided to abscond and was re-arrested by the Hawks members from Durban Serious Organized Crime Investigation in June last year," Mhlongo added

The suspect initially appeared in the Umlazi Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody. On 21 August 2025, Ndawonde pleaded guilty in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court. His sentencing followed shortly thereafter.

The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Lesetja Senona, welcomed the sentence and applauded the members for the good work.

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