Tsakani murderer gets 12 years

The Brakpan Regional Court sentenced Sibusiso Mbotshwa (33) from Tsakani to 12 years imprisonment on March 25.

The SAPS arrested Mbotshwa on December 22, 2018, after he murdered Thapelo Mahlalela in Tsakani the day before.

He first appeared in court on January 15, 2019, pleaded not guilty on March 15, 2023, and was found guilty on January 16.

Upon sentencing, he was automatically declared unfit to possess a firearm, and it was determined that the murder was premeditated.

Mahlalela was in his early 30s, and the murder was the result of an altercation about the music playing in a tavern.

Mbotshwa drew his firearm, aimed it at Mahlalela, and tried to shoot him. When the gun did not fire, he removed the magazine and replaced it before reloading and shooting Mahlalela.