FREE STATE — The Bloemfontein High Court has sentenced two contract killers, Nkwebe Seatile and Tlotlisang Monyane, to life imprisonment for the murder of Andries Mgoqi, concluding a sterling police investigation that delivered a resounding message against syndicate-operated violence in the region.
The suspects’ violent crime spree began on 28 January 2024, when they entered a local club in Bloemfontein and lured a 53-year-old victim outside. A physical struggle ensued near the exit, during which one of the suspects drew a firearm and fired multiple shots, striking the victim in the face. The victim survived the attack. An attempted murder case was subsequently registered at the Bainsvlei Police Station and transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, where it was placed under the meticulous management of Detective Sergeant Lethola Taiwe.
Less than a month later, on 16 February 2024, the suspects struck again. The 52-year-old Mr. Andries Mgoqi was conversing with a friend outside a tavern in Bergman when an armed male approached and shot him multiple times. The shooter immediately fled the scene in a white Mercedes-Benz getaway vehicle. Mr. Mgoqi tragically succumbed to his injuries. A murder docket was opened at the Bloemspruit Police Station and assigned to Detective Captain Jacques Wilson.
Following an intensive, intelligence-led manhunt, the Mangaung Trio Task Team successfully traced and apprehended both suspects at a safe house in Wepener during the early hours of 23 February 2024.
A joint investigation led by Captain Wilson and Detective Sergeant Taiwe, under the expert legal guidance of Advocate Lucky Bontes from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), unravelled a chilling conspiracy. Prosecutors established that both suspects were hired hitmen who had been financially compensated to execute both the initial attempted murder at the club and the subsequent assassination of Mr. Mgoqi.
During the sentencing proceedings, High Court Judge Van Zyl strongly condemned the practice of contract killings, emphasizing the judiciary’s duty to protect society from such callous and premeditated acts. In an unusual and highly commendable gesture, Judge Van Zyl requested that Captain Wilson stand in court, publicly lauding his outstanding dedication, sterling detective work, and the “never-say-die” attitude demonstrated by the entire investigation team.
The Bloemfontein High Court handed down the following definitive sentences:
Nkwebe Seatile (32): Life imprisonment for murder, concurrent with a 10-year imprisonment term for attempted murder.
Tlotlisang Monyane (34): Life imprisonment for murder, concurrent with a 2-year imprisonment term for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
