Two men convicted of the brutal murders of two police officers and a community policing forum member were sentenced to six life terms plus 118 years in prison by the Gauteng Local Division of the High Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.
Hlulani Mabuza (32) and Sihle Ntuli (29) were each handed three life sentences for the murders of Sergeant Vusimusi Innocent Batsha (45), Constable Phillip Kgotso Malahlela (24), and Community Policing Forum (CPF) member Tommy Masuku. The men were also sentenced to a combined 59 years for additional charges including attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition.
"The convictions stem from a series of violent crimes committed in Ekurhuleni in 2022. On the evening of 21 October 2022, the two SAPS officers were ambushed while responding to an inquest in Lilianton, Boksburg. According to court testimony, the attackers demanded the officers’ firearms before opening fire. Sergeant Batsha was killed at the scene, while Constable Malahlela was shot as he sought cover. The suspects stole both officers' firearms before fleeing. A civilian, Boipelo Notoana, believed to be the deceased's girlfriend, was also shot during the incident and sustained permanent abdominal injuries," said Hawks spokespersonColonelKatlegoMogale.
She added that in a separate but related incident, CPF member Tommy Masuku was murdered in July 2022. He had been ambushed and shot in an informal settlement after being accused by community members of cooperating with the police.
Mogale explained that following months of intensive investigation, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) made key arrests. Mabuza was apprehended on 22 April 2023 at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court while attending an unrelated matter. Ntuli was arrested two days later on 24 May 2023 at Harrismith Correctional Services in the Free State, where he was facing additional charges. One of the accused was found in possession of a stolen SAPS firearm, linking him directly to the police murders.
“The Senior State Advocate Zarina Pack emphasized that the murders were premeditated and targeted attacks on law enforcement officers who were performing their duties. The court concurred, recognizing the gravity of the crimes and their long-lasting impact on the victims’ families and communities,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
She added, *“The NPA welcomes the imposition of multiple life sentences in this case. The murder of police officers is not only a heinous crime but an assault on the rule of law and public safety. These acts threaten the security of all South Africans and undermine our democratic institutions.”*
Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya, National Head of the Hawks, commended the swift response and collaborative efforts that led to the convictions. “Since 2018, the DPCI has secured 140 life sentences against 92 individuals for the murders of police officials. Let this be a reminder that attacking the State and its protectors will never go unpunished,” he said.
Both Mabuza and Ntuli have indicated their intention to apply for leave to appeal.
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