The South Gauteng High Court has sentenced Given Thabo Phasha to life imprisonment for the murder of Sergeant Willy Moruane, a Tembisa police officer who was killed in August 2023. The sentencing marks the conclusion of a harrowing case that saw a police officer lose his life while performing his duties in the line of duty. Sergeant Moruane was ambushed during a routine crime prevention operation in Winnie Mandela Zone 6, Tembisa, and tragically succumbed to the attack, leaving a community and a police force mourning his loss.
The incident unfolded when Sergeant Moruane and his colleagues were on a routine patrol and encountered a suspicious individual. Upon seeing the officers, the suspect fled, prompting a pursuit. Although they initially lost sight of him, the officers continued to search the area. It was during this search that the suspect, later identified as Phasha, ambushed Sergeant Moruane and fatally shot him before escaping the scene. Police later recovered cellphones at the scene, which led to a link with a prior house robbery, significantly aiding the investigation.
Following a swift investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, Phasha was apprehended on August 6, 2023, in Leboeng village, Limpopo province. The police work was meticulous, ultimately leading to Phasha’s arrest and the successful prosecution. Phasha was charged with multiple offenses, including the murder of Sergeant Moruane, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The trial, which began in August and concluded in December, resulted in a comprehensive conviction. Phasha was handed down life imprisonment for the murder of Sergeant Moruane, a sentence that underscores the seriousness of the crime. In addition to the life term, he received 15 years for attempted murder, 10 years each for two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 15 years for unlawful possession of a firearm, and five years for unlawful possession of ammunition. All sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence, ensuring that Phasha will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa commended the efforts of law enforcement throughout the investigation and trial. He emphasized that the conviction and sentencing not only bring justice for the slain officer but also serve as a strong message about the commitment to upholding public safety and the rule of law. “This conviction demonstrates our unwavering determination to combat violent crime and ensure that those who target our officers and communities face the full force of the law,” Kadwa said.
The murder of Sergeant Moruane serves as a tragic reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day in their efforts to protect the public. While the conviction provides some closure, it also highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and dedication in the fight against crime. As the community of Tembisa continues to mourn, the legal system’s swift response underscores the importance of justice in maintaining faith in the rule of law and the protection of those who serve and protect.
