Joseph Malapane (30), Christopher Matenchi (32), Phishego Malepe (27) and Andrew Matemane (30) were sentenced to life imprisonment plus 20 years in the Lydenburg Regional Court after they were found guilty of attempted robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and murder.
They were involved in the armed robbery of a filling station in Burgersfort and the subsequent shooting and killing of a police sergeant.
Although such a sentence would not bring back Madyene, Mthethwa said they found solace that in the end, justice has been served.
"We also extend our applause to the National Prosecuting Authority for this harsh sentence, which we believe will send a strong warning to any would-be police killer that crime does not reward," said Mthethwa.
The minister said the fact that Madyene lost his life in the line of duty served as a harsh reminder of the kind of dangers officers faced on a daily basis.
"Each year, we gather as police leadership and management to commemorate and remember fallen heroes such as Sergeant Madyene, who refused to be discouraged by the actions of heartless criminals. It is not a pleasant occasion.
"Such officers, in their pursuance of safeguarding the weak and the vulnerable in society, dedicate their lives and serve with excellence. They remain steadfast in protecting and waging a war against crime. For this reason, any person who kills a police officer deserves a hefty punishment," Mthethwa said.
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