The Gauteng Local Division of the High Court in Johannesburg has today sentenced Hlulani Mabuza (32) and Sihle Ntuli (29) to multiple life imprisonment terms after they were found guilty on 08 April 2025 on a string of charges, including murder, robbery, and illegal firearm possession.
Sentencing Details
Both accused received the following sentences, which will run concurrently:
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Murder of Tommy Masuku: Life imprisonment
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Possession of a firearm: 15 years
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Possession of ammunition: 2 years
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Murder of Sergeant Vusi Batsha: Life imprisonment
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Murder of Constable Kgotso Malahlela: Life imprisonment
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Attempted murder of Boipelo Notoana: 5 years
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Attempted murder of Mr. Ndwandwe: 5 years
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Robbery with aggravating circumstances: 15 years
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Possession of firearms: 15 years
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Possession of ammunition: 2 years
Crime Background
The convictions stem from a violent incident on the evening of 21 October 2022 in Ekurhuleni. At approximately 21:45, Sergeant Batsha (45) and Constable Malahlela (24) were ambushed while attending to an inquest at the corner of Field and Main Reef Road in Lilianton. The assailants demanded their service firearms, leading to a deadly struggle.
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Sergeant Batsha was shot and killed at the scene.
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Constable Malahlela, while attempting to take cover, was fatally shot moments later.
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Both officers’ service firearms were stolen.
Arrests and Investigation
Through swift intelligence efforts, a breakthrough was made:
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Hlulani Mabuza and two accomplices were arrested on 22 April 2023 by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in collaboration with Gauteng Special Law Enforcement officials at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where they were appearing for an unrelated case.
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Sihle Ntuli was apprehended on 24 May 2023 at Harrismith Correctional Services in the Free State following further investigations.
It has also been revealed that Ntuli faces other outstanding cases in the Free State.