Mpumalanga senior traffic cop sentenced

Mpumalanga senior traffic cop sentenced

Senior Traffic cop Joseph Selala found guilty for allegedly killed his wife and his two daughters.

MEC Vusi Shongwe said this is a strong message to perpetrators that enjoy committing similar crime.

Selala, who was attached to Dr. JS Moroka Local Municipality in Siyabuswa, shot and killed his wife and two children in December 2013. The suspect first shot the children at his house before shooting the wife at her mother’s house. Selala was sentenced to three life sentences at a North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria after he was found guilty on three counts of murder, the three sentences will run concurrently.

Shongwe believes the sentencing is a victory for justice because for every crime, that goes unpunished, government’s efforts to combat crime become dented. He therefore believes the conviction and sentencing has sent clear messages to offenders that no one was above the law, including law enforcement officers.,

The MEC has also called on law enforcement officers including police and traffic officers to make use of wellness units available in their departments so that unresolved domestic matters do not lead to unnecessary bloodshed. Shongwe said he believes that the killing of the three could have been avoided had the officer discussed the matter with the relevant people.

The MEC added: “Those who manage or supervise law enforcement officers should assist by identifying challenges that members have that may lead them towards reacting violently. We should try and assist where we could in order to avoid such incidences. We should encourage members to speak when they encounter life challenges that may affect their functionality.

Our appeal does not only go to law enforcement officers but to the general public  who when they overburdened, they should speak to social workers, spiritual leaders or even trusted family members so that we avoid instances where people kill themselves or even family members.”