The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s East Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) in Germiston has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of Given Thabo Phasha for the murder of Sergeant W. Moruane, a police officer that was stationed at Tembisa police station.
The fateful incident took place in August 2023 at Winnie Mandela Zone 6, Tembisa. During a routine crime prevention patrol, Tembisa SAPS officers encountered a suspicious individual who fled upon seeing them. Sergeant Moruane and his colleagues gave chase but lost sight of the suspect. While searching the area, the suspect ambushed and fatally shot Sergeant Moruane before fleeing. Cellphones recovered at the scene led to a link with a prior house robbery.
The Hawks Investigation ensued resulting in the arrest of Phasha on 6 August 2023, information was followed up and Phasha was arrested at Leboeng village in Limpopo Province. The case was subsequently placed on trial at the South Gauteng High Court.
The trial began on 19 August 2024, and on Thursday, 05 December 2024, Phasha was convicted on six charges, including the murder of the slain Sergeant Moruane.
On Friday, 06 December 2024, he was sentenced as follows: Count 1: Murder – Life imprisonment
Count 2: attempted murder – 15 years imprisonment, Counts 4 & 5: robbery with aggravating circumstances – 10 years imprisonment,
Count 6: unlawful possession of a firearm – 15 years imprisonment
Count 7: unlawful possession of ammunition – 5 years imprisonment.
All sentences are to be served concurrently with the life sentence imposed for the murder.
“The successful conviction and sentencing underscore the dedication and effectiveness of our law enforcement officers in ensuring justice and maintaining public safety,” Major General Ebrahim Kadwa stated.
