Welcomed by City of Cape Town
Reporter:- George April
Cape Town:- The City of Cape Town has expressed strong support for the life sentences handed down to the four men convicted of murdering Law Enforcement officers Simtembile Nyangiwe and Jan Nieuwenhuys in 2019.
The officers were gunned down in cold blood while on duty in Sweet Home Farms, Samora Machel, where they were escorting City officials working on infrastructure upgrades to uplift the informal settlement. The project was part of a broader initiative aimed at improving the lives of local residents.
Western Cape High Court Judge Daniel Thulare, who presided over the case, delivered a scathing judgment that reflected the gravity of the crime. He highlighted the severe emotional trauma suffered by the victims’ families and the wider community, and noted that the convicted men showed no remorse throughout the proceedings.
Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, welcomed the ruling, saying the City is relieved that justice has finally been served. “We are grateful that justice has prevailed, although the loved ones of these officers have waited nearly six years for this moment. It is cold comfort as the sentencing will never right the horrific act of extreme violence that was perpetrated against these officers who were serving the community,” Smith said.
He warned, however, that such acts of brutality, along with the rise in extortion, continue to pose serious threats to frontline workers and hamper vital service delivery.
“Opportunistic attacks like these, and the growing scourge of extortion, have also slowed down critical service delivery aimed at improving the lives of our residents. I attended the memorials and funerals of these and other officers and believe criminals such as those sentenced have caused unimaginable misery and heartache, and they do not deserve our sympathy. Their murderous acts were cowardly and unforgivable. It is a good day to see justice done,” Smith added.
The City of Cape Town reiterated its call for stronger protections for law enforcement and municipal staff, many of whom work in high-risk environments under constant threat.
“Our officers and frontline workers are not just City employees — they are pillars of community safety and development. They deserve every measure of protection we can offer,” said Smith. As Cape Town continues its fight against crime and lawlessness, the sentencing serves as a reminder that attacks on those who serve the public will not go unpunished.
