Murder suspects, Siphakamiso Jeffery Sosibo, 31, and Loyiso Ncama, 29, were convicted to two life sentences and an additional 70 years in prison by the Verulam Magistrate’s Court, for the murder of Blue Security response officer, Premchund Mohanlall of Phoenix, who was shot in the line of duty in October 2022.
The slain father of two was shot in the head while seated in his patrol vehicle at the Phoenix Plaza. Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, Mohanlall’s wife, Reshma Mohanlall, said: “No matter how long my husband’s killers are behind bars, it will never bring him back to us. He is never going to be here for me or our kids when we need him.”
She welcomed the hefty sentence handed down to her husband’s killers. “The law ran its course but I remain broken, I thought that I would find closure when his killers were finally put behind bars but I still ask myself why him. He was the sole breadwinner, took good care of us, and loved us dearly. I have been down and out since his passing but had to find a job to support my kids. Life is never going to be the same without my loving husband.
“We are honestly still shattered that someone could be so heartless to take him away from us in the manner which they did, a good family man, fending for his family. It’s been so hard for me to raise my teenage son without his father, he is not coping at all and needs his father like all boys do. I never expected that my husband would leave home one day and not come back. He left me at work that morning and we spoke about our plans for the day ahead. We spoke throughout the day and I never got through to his phone after 8pm. I did not for once think that he was not going to be there anymore. We miss him dearly,” said Mohanlall.
Phoenix SAPS spokesperson, Constable Carol Mntambo, said that the suspects faced charges of murder, robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Premchund Mahanlall was shot dead and robbed of his firearm while parked in his patrol vehicle on 13 October 2022. He was found deceased in his vehicle with one gunshot wound to the head. One spent cartridge was found at the scene. Phoenix SAPS Trio Crime members followed up on information about the suspected motor vehicle that was said to have sped off after the shooting of the officer, which led to the apprehension of two suspects, Siphakamiso Jeffery Sosibo, 31, and Loyiso Ncama, 29, at White City, where three firearms were recovered, including the firearms that belonged to the security officer and a Durban Metro Police officer.
“During the investigation, Detective Sgt Bongani James Makhubo, who secured two life sentences and an additional 70 years for the murder crimes, discovered that the suspect, Siphakamiso Jeffery Sosibo had shot Mr Premchund with the firearm that was taken from a Metro Police officer, Constable Nkosinathi Hamilton Ndlovu, who was shot dead at Glebelands Hostel in uMlazi on 11 June 2022. The Phoenix Station Commander, Colonel Jan Naidoo commended Sgt Makhubo’s excellent investigative skills on both cases,” added Cst Mntambo.
“We will leave no stone unturned when our security officers partners and law enforcement are murdered in the line of duty, serving and protecting our communities,” added Colonel Jan Naidoo.
Community Policing Forum vice chairperson, Mark Nadasen, said: “The brutal shooting of Premchund Mohanlall was an alarming wake-up call to all of us as it places emphasis on the fact that none of us are exempt from becoming victims of crime, not even those individuals who protect us. Apart from being employed as a security officer, he was also an invaluable member of the community who was always willing to assist those in need. His death indeed remains a tragic loss to society.”
Nadasen commended Phoenix police for the diligent manner in which they conducted their investigations and for securing the lengthy sentences.
