Judgment to be handed down in murder of two Boksburg North officers
The officers were ambushed on the corner of Field and Main Reef Road in Lilianton.
Judgment is expected to be handed down on April 25 at the Johannesburg High Court to two men accused of the October 2022 murders of Boksburg North police officers Sergeant Vusi Batsha (45) and Constable Kgotso Malahlela (24).
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) secured a guilty verdict against Hlulani Mabuza (32) and Sihle Ntuli (29) at the Johannesburg High Court on April 9.
They are facing two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Batsha and Malahlela were ambushed while attending an inquest on the corner of Field and Main Reef Road, Lilianton, just before 22:00 on October 21, 2022.
The suspects demanded their service firearms, leading to a fatal struggle. Batsha was shot dead at the scene. Malahlela, while seeking cover, was fatally shot moments later. Both service firearms were stolen.
Breakthrough
According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, swift action and intelligence gathering led to a breakthrough on April 22, 2023.
“DPCI SOCI, in collaboration with Gauteng Special Law Enforcement officials, arrested Mabuza and two accomplices at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
“Though their initial court appearance for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition on the roll, the SOCI team’s prompt re-arrest ensured their detention,” said Ramovha.
He added the police apprehended Ntuli on May 24, 2023, at Harrismith Correctional Services in the Free State following detailed investigations.
His interrogation yielded critical information linking him to the crime scene.
“Through exhaustive efforts, investigators built an unassailable case that culminated in justice for the fallen officers,” the spokesperson added.
Justice
Acting provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Brigadier Phumeza Klaas, lauded the SOCI team’s relentless commitment to justice.
She also thanked the Metro Police Department and Gauteng Traffic for their invaluable support during the arrests.
“This verdict brings solace to the families of Sargent Batsha and Constable Malahlela and reaffirms our unwavering dedication to dismantling organised crime and safeguarding our communities,” Klaas said.
