Cop killer 'prophet' sentenced to hang

ONE of the two self-proclaimed prophets who ganged up and strangled their client, a police officer, in a bushy area where they had taken him to "cleanse him of evil spirits" was yesterday sentenced to death by hanging while the other was jailed for life.

Patrick Matikiti (26) of Sauerstown and Assurance Moyo (23) of Lobengula West killed Nhlalo Ndlovu, who was an assistant inspector, before robbing him of a car, $200, a laptop and two smart phones in December 2014.

Matikiti, the mastermind behind the murder was sentenced to death while Moyo who played the supporting role, will spend the rest of his life in jail.

Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Francis Bere convicted both of murder with actual intent.

The judge said Moyo was influenced by Matikiti into committing the gruesome murder.

On being asked why a death penalty should not be imposed on him, Matikiti said he was a sole breadwinner taking care of his three minor children.

Justice Bere reminded Matikiti of his automatic right of appeal against both conviction and sentence at the Supreme Court.