MULTIPLE LIFE SENTENCES FOR MURDERING POLICE OFFICERS

27 MAY 2025

MULTIPLE LIFE SENTENCES FOR MURDERING POLICE OFFICERS

The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, has sentenced Njiki Hlulani Mabuza (31) and Savenore Sihle Ntuli (29) to three life terms each for the murders of two police officers on 21 October 2022 in Boksburg, Phillip Kgotso Malahlela and Vusimusi Innocent Batsha and a Community Policing Forum (CPF) member, Tommy Masuku. In addition, both accused were sentenced to a further 59 years’ imprisonment for multiple other offences, including attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of ammunition.

Mabuza was arrested in Boksburg for an unlicensed firearm, prompting a tip-off to Warrant Officer Jonathan Phume. The second accused was arrested in Makwakwa after firing at a taxi driver and found with a stolen police firearm. Investigations revealed that they were involved in multiple crimes, including the murder of a CPF member in July 2022 who was ambushed and shot in an informal settlement after being accused of working with police.

Four months later after the first murder, the accused ambushed and killed two police officers retrieving a dead body, shooting them, and stealing their firearms on. During the attack, the deceased's girlfriend was also shot twice, suffering permanent abdominal damage. One officer was killed in the bathroom, while the other was shot outside.

The Senior State Advocate Zarina Pack emphasized that the murders of the two police officers were premeditated and targeted, occurring during a routine task. The court concurred, taking into account the severity of the crimes and their impact on the victims and their families, highlighting the need for justice and accountability.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the court’s decision to impose multiple life sentences on those convicted of the brutal murders of police officers. The killing of law enforcement officers is not only a heinous crime but also a direct assault on the rule of law, public safety, and the fabric of our democracy. Such acts threaten the security of all South Africans and undermine efforts to maintain law and order. 

The NPA remains resolute in its mandate to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that justice is served, especially in cases where those tasked with protecting our communities become targets themselves. Through diligent prosecution and unwavering commitment, the NPA continues to affirm that attacks on the state and its institutions will be met with the full might of the law.

Issued by:

Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division, Johannesburg
0834024787/0112204245
hmjonondwane@npa.gov.za