Ex-crime intelligence officer gets 3 years for helping murder suspect

DISGRACED Crime Intelligence officer Thulani Obed Thango was sentenced to three years in prison by the Durban Magistrate's Court yesterday.

- NOMONDE ZONDI

The sentence was handed down for his role in helping ANC councillor Mthokozisi Nojiyeza evade arrest for the murder of another councillor from his party, while the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) was on Nojiyeza's trail.

Magistrate Jackie Jonk rejected the defence's pleas for a lighter sentence, condemning Thango's betrayal of his oath to serve and protect South Africa. He declared Thango unfit to possess a firearm.

The sentencing hearing included a dramatic revelation from probation officer Sanelisiwe Khumalo, who testified that Thango's dishonesty derailed her initial recommendation for a noncustodial sentence.

Khumalo stated that her perspective changed after interviewing the investigating officer and learning that Thango had falsely claimed ignorance about the police seeking Nojiyeza. Thango was convicted of defeating the administration of justice.