Pretoria – The High Court in Pretoria has sentenced 53-year-old Fanyana Khoza from Katlehong to life in prison for the murder of his accomplice Linda Tshabalala, who was fatally shot during an attempted car hijack.
In addition, the court slapped Khoza, a Mozambican, with a 10-year prison sentence for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances, two years for being in the country illegally, and 12 months for possession of stolen property.
The court ordered that all sentences run concurrently with the life sentence.
During the trial, the court heard that on 14 January 2021, the complainant in this matter left his work at KitKat Cash & Carry in Pretoria West.
While driving on the R101 Old Johannesburg Road, Khoza and three accomplices attempted to rob him of his vehicle.
In a strange twist of fate, one of the armed robbers, Linda Tshabalala, was fatally shot by his accomplices.
Spooked, the other assailants fled, leaving behind one of their getaway cars.
A bystander who witnessed the incident called police.
The police found a cellphone in the abandoned car, which ultimately led them to Khoza, whom they arrested at his home on 9 July 2021.
Khoza was found in possession of a stolen vehicle at the time of his arrest.
In court, Khoza pleaded not guilty, denying all charges.
However, Advocate Ambrose Masekoameng, led compelling evidence through the investigating officer and the complainant, which secured the conviction.
During sentencing, Khoza’s legal representative argued for leniency, citing the accused’s parental responsibilities to his three children.
Advocate Masekoameng opposed the leniency plea, saying Khoza had no remorse for his actions and was not a first-time offender.
The accused has previous convictions of robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of drugs, and hijacking.
Moreover, after being released on parole twice he continued to commit the same offences he was previously convicted for.
Advocate Masekoameng further argued that Khoza was incapable of rehabilitation outside prison walls and posed an ongoing threat to society.
He urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence without deviation.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Papi Mosopa concurred with the State, noting that Khoza had made crime his livelihood and showed no remorse.
The Judge found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from a life sentence and added that Khoza’s repeated offences following parole releases were deeply troubling.
“This sentence should serve as a strong deterrent to would-be criminals,” said Judge Mosopa.
“The courts will not be lenient with individuals who continuously endanger lives and undermine public safety.”
The NPA applauds the sentence as a firm affirmation of justice and a clear statement that the criminal justice system will act decisively against repeat offenders, particularly those who abuse the opportunity of parole to continue committing violent crimes.
