15 Years’ Direct Imprisonment for Former SAPS Sergeant in Ingwavuma Tavern Killing

 KwaZulu-Natal – The Mtubatuba Regional Court has sentenced former South African Police Service (SAPS) sergeant Vusumuzi Jetro Thabethe (45) to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of Sanele Sihlongonyane (40).

The fatal incident occurred on the evening of 29 September 2024 outside a tavern in Ingwavuma, in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Thabethe was off duty at the time.

Incident Outside the Tavern

According to evidence presented in court, Sihlongonyane was seated at a table with friends when Thabethe arrived. The two men were known to each other. A bucket on Sihlongonyane’s table was taken by Thabethe, who carried it outside and placed it in his motor vehicle.

Sihlongonyane followed, asking for the return of the bucket. He was unarmed. An altercation ensued during which Thabethe assaulted him with his fists. During the scuffle, Thabethe removed his SAPS-issued firearm, fired a shot into the ground, and then fired a second shot that struck Sihlongonyane in the face. A third shot was fired into the air as Thabethe drove away.

Witnesses rushed Sihlongonyane to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Arrest and Evidence

Thabethe later drove to the Ingwavuma Police Station, handed himself over with his firearm, and reported the shooting. He was subsequently arrested.

In court, Prosecutor Phumlani Thembalethu Khoza led the testimony of two eyewitnesses, the pathologist who conducted the post-mortem examination, and a ballistic expert. Ballistic analysis confirmed that the spent cartridge found at the scene matched Thabethe’s firearm.

Sentencing and Victim Impact Statement

Following conviction, the State submitted a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Sithembile Cebekhulu. The statement was compiled by an aunt who had raised Thabethe after the death of his parents and described the profound difficulty she was experiencing in coming to terms with the loss.

The court convicted Thabethe of murder under Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, which prescribes a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

NPA Welcomes Outcome

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed both the conviction and the sentence, noting that the accused was a police official who was obligated to uphold the law. The NPA expressed hope that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others.