Two men have been sentenced to three life terms plus 75 years in the Western Cape High Court for the multiple murders, including that of a police official.
Cebo Soboyise, 29, and Zola Golela, 38, were convicted of multiple murders, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and the unlawful possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition in February.
The case stems from a shooting incident in Thubelitsha in Delft on November 27, 2019.
The Hawks investigated the matter.
The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, said on the night of the incident, police found a man lying in the street with a gunshot wound to his head.
“According to information, there were three suspects who were driving in a vehicle. They robbed the deceased of his cell phone, and when he resisted, he was shot. The suspects then fled the scene,” Hani said.
A vehicle fitting the description of the suspect’s vehicle was spotted in Mfuleni after it ran out of petrol and got stuck.
“Two occupants were found inside the vehicle as the third person went to get petrol. On his return, he noticed the presence of the police, and he fled. The two suspects were searched, and two firearms, as well as 17 possible stolen cell phones, were found in their possession.
“One of the firearms was a licensed firearm, and the other was a prohibited firearm,” Hani said.
One of the seized cell phones was positively identified as that of the deceased police officer. The two suspects were immediately arrested.
The duo was sentenced as follows:
- Count 1 – Robbery with aggravating circumstances – Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
- Count 2 – Robbery with aggravating circumstances – Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment
- Count 3 – Robbery with aggravating circumstances – Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment
- Count 4 – Murder (civilian) – Life imprisonment
- Count 5 – Murder (Civilian) – Life imprisonment
- Count 6 – Robbery with aggravating circumstances – Sentence to 15 years imprisonment
- Count 7 – Murder (SAPS official) – Sentenced to life imprisonment
- Count 8 to 11 – Robbery with aggravating circumstances – Not Guilty
- Count 12 – Attempted murder (civilian) – Not Guilty
- Count 13 – Possession of a prohibited firearm – Sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
- Count 14 – (Only accused 1) – Unlawful possession of ammunition – Not Guilty
The sentences imposed will run concurrently, which means the accused will serve one life sentence plus 75 years’ direct imprisonment each. Both accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Head of the Hawks Western Cape, Major General Mathipa Makgato, welcomed the heavy sentences and further congratulated the prosecution as well as the investigating team.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za