Serial killer Rassie Nkuna and dismissed police officer Jacob Chego in the murders of Sabeiliwe Mogashoa and her husband in March 2022 sentence to four life imprisonment
By Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
SAPS National Spokesperson
The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the investigating team following the sentencing of serial killer Rassie Nkuna and dismissed police officer Jacob Chego in the murders of Sabeiliwe Mogashoa and her husband in March 2022.
The two accused collectively faced 12 counts, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, kidnapping, fraud and other serious offences arising from the case.
Investigating team with the parents of Sabeliwe Mogashoa
Nkuna was sentenced to four life sentences for each of the murders, while the dismissed police officer, Jacob Chego, was also handed down four life sentences for his role as an accomplice in the murders.
The Acting National Commissioner has specifically commended the investigating officer, Sergeant Nkosingphile Mathenjwa, attached to the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit, for his dedication, perseverance and professionalism in ensuring that this complex investigation was brought to its conclusion.
Sergeant Mathenjwa did not work alone.
He worked alongside members of the Gauteng Tracking Teams, including Sergeant Mpho Mutshekwane, Warrant Officer Lindokuhle Dlame, Warrant Officer Curtis Mathabela and Sergeant Vuledzani Netshituni.
The investigation established that Nkuna and Chego worked together to lure the Mogashoa couple before ultimately murdering them for the couples motor vehicle.
The couple was killed in front of their then eight-year-old son and one-year-old daughter.
At the time of her death, Sabeiliwe was six months pregnant.
This is therefore an important moment for the Mogashoa family, particularly the children who were left to grow up without their parents because of a senseless and violent act.
On behalf of the South African Police Service, we extend our deepest condolences to the Mogashoa family.
No sentence can bring their loved ones back, and no words can erase the pain and trauma they have endured.
However, today’s judgment brings a measure of justice and accountability.
We specifically commend the investigating team for their commitment to this matter.
Investigations of this nature require dedication, professionalism, perseverance and attention to detail.
These members remained focused on their responsibility to the victims and their families and never gave up.
We also acknowledge the prosecutors and the judiciary for ensuring that this matter was dealt with through the criminal justice system.
The parents of Sabeiliwe, Rachel Zwane and Dumisani Zwane, who were present in court, welcomed the sentence and expressed their happiness that justice had finally been served.
They also thanked the police, Major General Mbuso Khumalo and the investigating team, for their hard work and for never giving up on the case.
The Acting National Commissioner says:
“Today, we commend the investigating team for their perseverance and professionalism in ensuring that this matter reached its rightful conclusion before the courts.
Sergeant Mathenjwa and the members of the Gauteng Tracking Teams demonstrated that no matter how complex a case may be, our investigators must remain relentless in the pursuit of justice.
“We are particularly mindful of the Mogashoa family, who have had to live with an unimaginable loss.
Two children lost their parents, and a family lost loved ones who can never be replaced.
While no sentence can undo that pain, today’s judgment provides an important measure of justice and accountability.
“We are also deeply concerned by the involvement of a former police officer in this matter.
Members of the SAPS are entrusted with protecting lives and upholding the law.
When a police officer betrays that trust and becomes involved in serious criminality, it undermines the very principles we stand for.
We will not protect members who choose to break the law.
Where there is evidence of criminal conduct, members must face the consequences of their actions.”
The South African Police Service remains resolute: we will pursue perpetrators of serious and violent crime, regardless of who they are, and we will continue working to ensure that victims and their families receive justice.
To the investigating team, we say thank you for never giving up.
And to the Mogashoa family, we hope that today’s judgment brings you a measure of closure as you continue to navigate the pain of losing your loved ones.
Justice has been served.
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