Cop killers get life behind bars
The woman who ordered a hit on Const Sifiso Mabuza in November 2013 and one of her hired killers were sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday.
TONGA – Theresa Mabaso and Wiseman Ngomane appeared at a High Court sitting in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court. The two were found guilty of the murder of Const Sifiso Mabuza in 2013 by the same court earlier this year.
Mabaso, the mastermind behind the crime, was arrested for dealing in dagga and accused Mabuza of exposing her. At the time he was working for Crime Intelligence in Komatipoort.
She hired three people to kill him: Ngomane, Victor Sibiya and Sindi Mvubu. She paid them R10 000 upfront, as part of a R46 000 deal.
In the issue of November 14, 2013 Corridor Gazette reported that the constable, his nephew and mother were asleep in the house in Langeloop on the night of the murder.
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The suspects gained entry to the constable’s room through a window and shot him. They fled and Mabuza attempted to seek help but died of his injuries.
Seven suspects were arrested 11 hours after Mabuza’s death. Four were later released and cleared of the murder charges.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi of Tonga SAPS stated that one of the suspects, Mvubu, confessed to committing the crime. He was sentenced to 20 years for murder and 18 years for housebreaking, to be served concurrently.
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In May 2014 the docket was transferred to the Nelspruit High Court. Ngomane and Mabaso continued to argue that they were innocent until proved guilty by the court. They were pronounced guilty after over four years of court appearances and received life sentences.
Ngomane also received a nine-year sentence for housebreaking with the intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence.
Sibiya, the third hitman, died before the case was concluded.
