The Western Cape High Court in Cape Town has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for multiple murders, including the killing of a police officer, along with robbery with aggravating circumstances and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Cebo Soboyise (29) and Zola Golela (38) were sentenced on Thursday, 30 April, following their conviction on Tuesday, 27 January.
Police officer shot during robbery in Delft
The case stems from a shooting incident on 27 November 2019 in Thubelitsha, Delft, where a police officer was robbed and killed.
According to Western Cape Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani, officers found a man lying in the street with a gunshot wound to the head at the scene.
“According to information, three suspects who were travelling in a vehicle, stopped and robbed the victim of his cellphone. When he resisted, he was shot. The suspects then fled the scene,” Hani said.
A vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ car was later spotted in Mfuleni after it ran out of petrol. Two occupants were found inside the vehicle while the third had gone to buy petrol. Upon his return, he noticed the police presence and fled.
Stolen cellphones and firearms recovered
Police searched the two suspects and found two firearms and 17 suspected stolen cellphones in their possession. One firearm was licensed, while the other was prohibited. One of the seized cellphones was identified as belonging to the deceased officer, leading to their arrest.
The Hawks’ National Priority Violent Crime unit took over the investigation and linked the suspects to the murders of two civilians.
Life sentences handed down for three murder counts
The court sentenced both accused to life imprisonment for three counts of murder. They also received 15 years’ imprisonment each for five counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and 15 years for possession of a prohibited firearm.
Additional 75 years for robbery and firearm offences
The life sentences will run concurrently, meaning each accused will serve one life sentence plus an additional 75 years’ direct imprisonment. Both have been declared unfit to possess a firearm.
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Western Cape Hawks Provincial Head Major General Mathipa Makgato welcomed the sentences and congratulated the prosecution and investigating team.
