Parktown: The management of police in Gauteng has commended the provincial investigating team for their consistent hard work following the recent sentencing of convicted murderers of television personality, Johann Botha.

Botha and another male victim were fatally shot during a business robbery in June 2017 at Maboneng in the Jeppe policing precinct, in Johannesburg.

Four suspects were arrested on charges of business robbery and murder. While one of the four accused was killed in a shootout with police in KZN and one escaped from custody and is still at large, the remaining two suspects were found guilty for the double murder, business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition.

On Wednesday 28 November 2018, Qelani Maqawe Moyo was sentenced to two life sentences for the two murders and a combined 35 years for business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition. His co-accused Masethembe Thembi Mbatha was served with 25 years for each murder, and a combined 25 years for business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition. They both were sentenced in the Johannesburg High Court.

Successful convictions and lengthy sentences of this nature are a step in the right direction towards regaining public confidence in the police. It is therefore important to encourage and keep our members motivated to ensure that their energy levels are sustained in relation to arrests and investigations, cited the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Major General Max Masha.

Nkosiyazi Phungula, accused number 01 in this case, is on the list of police’s most wanted suspects. Police are therefore appealing to anyone who may have information of his whereabouts, to contact Lieutenant Colonel Siphungu on 071363370 or to report to police by calling the Crime Stop 08600 10111, or reporting to the nearest police station.

Source: South African Police Service