Heartbreak and grief once again gripped the Beaufort West community as justice was handed down for the brutal killing of Constable Courtlin Lackay (23), a young police officer whose life was cut short while responding to an incident last year.

A 17-year-old was sentenced for the murder in the Beaufort West Magistrate’s Court on Monday, while his accomplice, Siyamthanda Mafata (22), received a suspended sentence after entering into a plea agreement with the State.

The name of the teenager cannot be revealed as he is still a minor.

Hawks spokesperson in the Western Cape, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, said the incident occurred on 24 August 2025 when police responded to a complaint at a place of entertainment in Gaba Road, Kwa-Mandlenkosi, Beaufort West.

“Upon arrival, members found the body of the deceased officer with a stab wound to his back. The accused fled the scene on foot and Constable Lackay was declared dead at the scene.”

The case was handed over to the Hawks’ George Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for further investigation.

“The matter was then referred to the Hawks from George Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for further probing. An intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of the two accused on the same day of the incident,” Hani added.

The minor accused has been housed at a place of safety since his arrest, while Mafata remained in custody throughout the court proceedings.

The court sentenced the 17-year-old to four years’ compulsory residence at a youth centre. In addition, he was handed a further four years’ direct imprisonment, which will commence immediately after completion of the compulsory residence sentence.

Mafata was convicted of defeating the ends of justice and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years on condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during the suspension period.