Crime Intelligence Cop found guilty of killing his estranged girlfriend

Crime intelligence cop Thandolwethu Faku has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Wendy Papu. The Western Cape High Court found Faku guilty of shooting Papu in the head during an argument in her shack in Khayelitsha.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) successfully proved that Faku had lied about the circumstances surrounding the crime.

NPA provincial spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, explained that the case began as an inquest docket.

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However, the diligent work of investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius, and the Director of the Public Prosecution Office led to Faku’s arrest and subsequent conviction.

Ntabazalila stated, “The investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius, and the Director of the Public Prosecution Office started probing the case, which led to the accused’s arrest.”

The State presented evidence that on the evening of January 9, 2018, Faku visited Papu’s shack.

At the time, Papu, her eight-year-old daughter from another relationship, and the couple’s three-month-old daughter were asleep.

An argument ensued, and Faku took out his official firearm and shot Papu in the head.

He then locked the shack, leaving behind a wounded Papu and her sleeping daughters.

Advocate Uys, representing the State, argued that Papu was awake but unable to seek help due to her head wound.

The court heard that she was also unable to tend to her crying baby, who was left unattended in another room.

Uys stated, “The mother of two was awake but unable to seek help as she had a bullet wound in the head.”

Ntabazalila expressed his hope that the conviction would bring some closure to Papu’s family and serve as a deterrent to others who may consider committing similar acts of violence.

 

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