WO Mbongolwane cop killers were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Mtubatuba High Court last week.
Mhlakayifani Mathonsi (24) and his co-accused, Mpho Thusini (23) of Maqhogo Reserve outside eShowe, were charged with the murder of policeman Sabelo Mavundla in November last year.
Police were called to a hostage situation at a homestead in the Maqhogo Reserve, but on their arrival were told the armed suspects had fled the scene on foot.
As the police were making their way back to the police station, they were ambushed by the suspects and Mavundla was shot and killed in the shoot-out and two firearms taken from him.
Both firearms were recovered when the men were arrested. Apart from the life sentences for murder, the two accused were also sentenced to eight years imprisonment for attempted robbery, 12 years for attempted murder, 12 years for the theft of a firearm, 10 years for unlawful possession of firearms and three years for unlawful possession of ammunition.