Just News |
The Western Cape High Court sentenced pastor Melisizwe Monqo (32), his wife Siphosihle Pamba and hitman, Phumlani Qhusheka to long term imprisonment following their conviction on charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder of Hlompo Koloi.
Monqo, a pastor at God’s Work International Ministries was sentenced to 252 years in prison. His 26-year-old wife was sentenced to an effective 20 years imprisonment. Qhusheka (31) was sentenced to life and 63 years. All the accused were declared unfit to own a firearm.
Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Communications Manager Eric Ntabazalila said Monqo was convicted on 26 charges for Koloi’s murder. “This case involves a scam where Monqo and his wife took out life insurance policies on behalf of church members, his ex-lover, the mother of his child and planned their murders with intent to benefit from the payment of the life insurance policies worth R2,9 million”
Ntabazalila added that Life insurance policies were taken on behalf of Nomfundiso Booi, Anelisa Xhotyeni, Bulelwa Sihawu, and Koloi. These unsuspecting victims were insured with Assupol, Liberty Life, Outsurance, 1 Life Insurance, Clientele Life ad Discovery and the accused stood to benefit more than R26, 9 million.”
The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell, commended Advocate Kortje and Sergeant Matwa for the sterling work they have done over the past three years and four months.
