LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS 50 YEARS FOR MAN WHO ROBBED AND KILLED PATIENT IN A SURGERY
11 July 2025
LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS 50 YEARS FOR MAN WHO ROBBED AND KILLED PATIENT IN A SURGERY
Mafikeng, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the hefty sentence handed down to Shakandinnyi Ndivhoswami Tshiovhe (34) by the North West High Court. Tshiovhe was convicted on several serious charges, including murder, two counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The convictions relate to a violent incident that occurred on 07 April 2021 at Dr Steenkamp’s surgery in Block A, Mabopane. Tshiovhe, along with a group of men, stormed the surgery in broad daylight and robbed the doctor and patients of their valuables. During the robbery, one of the patients was fatally shot and died at the scene from a gunshot wound.
As the situation escalated, Dr Steenkamp, acting in self-defence, used his licensed firearm and shot Tshiovhe, who sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. Witnesses reported seeing Tshiovhe bleeding as he fled the scene with his accomplices in a white Toyota Quantum parked outside.
The next day, police followed up on information obtained from a witness and visited Odi Hospital to investigate the Quantum. Surveillance footage led to the identification and arrest of Tshiovhe and another suspect. On 05 May 2021, an identification parade was conducted, during which some victims positively identified both individuals. Furthermore, blood samples collected from the scene were forensically linked to Tshiovhe through buccal sample analysis. The case against the co-accused was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.
Tshiovhe pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, in aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Ferdinand Tlatsana argued that the gravity of the offences and the lack of substantial and compelling circumstances warranted the prescribed minimum sentence. The court concurred and imposed the following: Life imprisonment for murder,15 years’ imprisonment for two counts of robbery,10 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder,5 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and 5 years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. All sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence. Tshiovhe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully secured a life sentence plus an additional 50 years’ imprisonment for Shakandinnyi Ndivhoswami Tshiovhe, who was convicted for a violent and brazen robbery at a medical surgery in Mabopane, during which an innocent patient was fatally shot. The North West High Court handed down the sentence following his conviction on charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and multiple firearms offences.
Welcoming the judgment, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended State Advocate Ferdinand Tlatsana, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction. “These sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime,” she said.
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer – North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
sgunya@npa.gov.za
078 172 9367