Given Thabo Phasha sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Sergeant W. Moruane, a Tembisa police officer killed in the line of duty.
Image: SAPS
The South Gauteng High Court has sentenced Given Thabo Phasha to life imprisonment for the murder an on-duty Tembisa cop in August 2023.
Sergeant Willy Moruane was ambushed and killed during a routine crime prevention operation in Winnie Mandela Zone 6, Tembisa.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said during a routine crime prevention patrol, Tembisa SAPS officers encountered a suspicious individual who fled upon seeing them.
"Sergeant Moruane and his colleagues gave chase but lost sight of the suspect. While searching the area, the suspect ambushed and fatally shot Sergeant Moruane before fleeing. Cellphones recovered at the scene led to a link with a prior house robbery," said Ramovha.
Following an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Organised Crime Unit in Germiston, Phasha was arrested on August 6, 2023, in Leboeng village, Limpopo province.
The trial began in August and concluded in December.
Phasha was convicted on six charges, including murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Here are the sentences handed down:
• Murder: Life imprisonment
• Attempted murder: 15 years
• Robbery with aggravating circumstances (two counts): 10 years each
• Unlawful possession of a firearm: 15 years
• Unlawful possession of ammunition: 5 years
All sentences will run concurrently with the life term.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa praised the work of law enforcement, stating the conviction and sentencing demonstrate a commitment to justice and public safety.
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