A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the July 2019 killing of a police officer in Delft.

Constable Songezo Khethiwe and two colleagues were attacked when they approached a male and a female walking in Spekboom Street.

The man fired several shots at their police vehicle, fatally hitting Khethiwe and wounding another officer.

Fleeing from the crime scene, Mzuhleli Tshanda, who was brandishing a firearm, was spotted by other officers on patrol. A chase ensued with an exchange of gunfire.

The suspect was wounded and arrested.

Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani says Tshanda was convicted for murder, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.