Ephraim Lonwabo Makoko, 29, has been sentenced to 25 years' direct imprisonment for the murder of a Hawks officer who was killed during a shootout in Mamelodi in June 2023.
Makoko appeared before the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday, where he was sentenced for the murder of Sergeant Leka Philip Maja, who was attached to the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS).
The incident occurred on June 8, 2023, when members of the Hawks responded to information about suspects allegedly in possession of illegal, high-calibre rifles at a house in the Mamelodi Lusaka Informal Settlement.
According to the information provided during the investigation, the suspects opened fire when the officers arrived, resulting in a shootout that left Maja fatally wounded. Makoko was subsequently arrested and appeared in court on several occasions before his sentencing.
Multiple charges
Makoko was sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment for murder and 15-year terms for other charges including attempted murder and and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The court ordered some sentences to run concurrently with the 25-year term, meaning Makoko will effectively serve 25 years in prison. In addition to his murder conviction, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant-General Siphesihle Nkosi commended the investigating officer and prosecutor for their diligent and professional work, which led to Makoko’s conviction and sentencing.
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