The Gauteng local Division of High Court sitting in Johannesburg has on the 27 May 2025, sentenced two convicted murderers Hlulani Mabuza (32) and Sihle Ntuli (29) after the two were found guilty on Tuesday, 08 April 2025:
National Hawks Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale said they were sentenced as follows.
1:Murder of Tommy Masuku: life imprisonment
2: possession of fire arm both accused: 15 years
3:Possession of ammunition: 2years
4: Murder of sgt Batsha : life imprisonment
5:Murder of Const Malahlela: life imprisonment
6:Attempted murder of Boipelo Notoana :5years
7:Attempted murder of Mr Ndwandwe :5 years
8: Robbery with aggravating circumstances: 15 years
9: Possession of firearms :15
10: Possession of Ammunition: 2
The sentences are for both convicts each. Both suspects were convicted for life imprisonment as the sentences will run concurrently.
Mabuza and Ntuli’s sentencing originates from an incident that took place on the evening of 21 October 2022 in Ekurhuleni. It was reported that at approximately 21:45, Sergeant Vusi Batsha (45) and Constable Kgotso Malahlela (24) were ambushed while attending to an inquest at the corner of Field and Main Reef Road in Lilianton. The accused demanded their service firearms, leading to a fatal struggle. Sergeant Batsha was tragically shot dead at the scene, and Constable Malahlela, while seeking cover, was fatally shot moments later. Both of their service firearms were stolen.
Swift action and intelligence gathering led to a breakthrough on 22 April 2023, where the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in collaboration with Gauteng Special Law Enforcement officials, arrested Hlulani Mabuza and two accomplices at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on an unrelated case. Sihle Ntuli was apprehended on 24 May 2023 at Harrismith Correctional Services in the Free State following detailed investigations. Has other outstanding cases in Free State.
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) SG Lebeya congratulated the arresting, investigation and prosecution teams for their meritorious efforts in ensuring that those who involve themselves in killing of police officer are reminded not to challenge the authority of the State. “”The DPCI has since 2018, secured 140 life imprisonment sentences on 92 accused for persons for murder of police officials alone, Lt Gen Lebeya concluded.”
The two convicts have indicated to the court that they would like to opt for application for appeal.