File
Two men convicted of the murder of two police officers in October 2022 will be sentenced in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Friday.
The spokesperson for the Hawks, Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, said Hlulani Mabuza (32) and Sihle Ntuli (29) were found guilty on Tuesday of the murder of Sergeant Vusi Batsha (45), and Constable Kgotso Malahlela.
The pair had responded to a scene in Lilianton when they were ambushed by the suspects who demanded their firearms.
A struggle ensued and Sergeant Batsha was fatally wounded, while Constable Mlahlela was shot and killed while attempt to take cover.
Their firearms were stolen.
Ramovha said Mabuza was arrested in April 2023, while Ntuli was arrested a month later at the Harrismith Correctional Centre in the Free State.
He said they were found guilty on two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of armed robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, as well as the possession of firearms and ammunition.
The acting provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Brigadier Phumeza Klaas, welcomed the guilty verdict while expressing gratitude to the Metro Police and Gauteng Traffic Department for their “invaluable support” during the arrests.
“This verdict brings solace to the families of Sergeant Batsha and Constable Malahlela and reaffirms our unwavering dedication to dismantling organised crime and safeguarding our communities,” Brigadier Klaas said.
