Duo sentenced to life imprisonment for murder

The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela welcomed a hefty sentence handed down to Lucky Mshubi (36) and Thabo Mambila (31) for the murder of a 31-year-old woman. The sentencing was handed down on 18 February 2022 by Johannesburg High Court.

On 22 April 2021, the victim’s flat was broken into at Lenasia Souht by two suspects who kidnapped and took off with the victim’s vehicle.

A meticulous investigation conducted by Sergeant Phillip Mofokeng of Gauteng Provincial Anti-Gang Unit led to the discovery of the stolen vehicle and the arrest of Lucky Mshubi who was found in possession of the victim’s belongings.

Further investigations led to the arrest of the second suspect, Thabo Mambila and the discovery of the body of the victim which was burried in a shallow grave at Mshubi’s yard.

On Friday, 18 February 2022, the Johannesburg High Court found both Mshubi and Mambila guilty on five charges and sentenced them as follows;

Murder – life imprisonment

Robbery – Mshubi, 17 years imprisonment and Mambila, 15 years imprisonment

Housebreaking – five years’ imprisonment

Kidnapping – three year imprisonment.

Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, commended the investigating team that worked tirelessly with dedication in ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and face the might of the law. “This sentence is an indication that as the SAPS in Gauteng we are committed to ensuring that crimes committed against women and children are taken seriously and those who perpetrate against them are chastised” said Lt Gen Mawela.

Source: South African Police Service