NPA SECURES LIFE SENTENCE FOR PARTICIPANT IN MOB KILLING

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a life imprisonment sentence against Aphelele Tshangela (33) for his role in the murder of his relative, Sandi Tshangela (35), who was killed in a mob attack on 14 September 2021.

Evidence presented in court established that an altercation had occurred between the deceased and another man at a local shebeen on the night before the murder. The deceased subsequently went to the man's home and set it alight.

Tshangela and others then searched for the deceased throughout the night. They found him at approximately 06h00 the following morning and subjected him to a prolonged assault, beating him with sticks and dragging him along the ground with a rope.

The assault continued for several hours, and the deceased died at approximately 11h00. Police and forensic personnel were called to the scene, and his body was taken to the mortuary. Members of the group involved in the attack were subsequently arrested.

Five participants in the mob killing were each sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment in 2025 after pleading guilty. Tshangela pleaded not guilty, resulting in his trial being separated from that of his co-accused.

Among the compelling evidence presented by the State was the testimony of his accomplices, who placed him at the scene and implicated him in the attack. Tshangela also made admissions during the trial and conceded that he had played a leading role in the incident. He was subsequently convicted of murder.

In aggravation of sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Anele Magibile argued that acts of vigilantism and mob violence cannot be tolerated and that severe sentences are necessary to deter communities from taking the law into their own hands.

“When one takes the law into their own hands, they do not become heroes but criminals. No amount of anger or frustration about crime will ever justify the extinguishing of another person’s life,” Magibile said.

The court agreed with the State's submissions, sentenced Tshangela to life imprisonment and further declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, emphasised that the right to life is sacrosanct and cannot simply be taken away. He added that society has a legitimate expectation that those who commit heinous crimes will face severe consequences, particularly when their actions undermine the rule of law.

The NPA reiterates that vigilantism is not justice. Communities are encouraged to report suspected criminal conduct to law-enforcement authorities rather than resorting to violence or taking the law into their own hands.

The NPA remains committed to vigorously prosecuting perpetrators of violent crime and ensuring that justice is delivered for victims, their families and affected communities.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division