Justice has been finally served after a man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the shocking daylight murder of a traffic officer who was performing his duties two years ago.
Siphesonke Goloshe, 36, was convicted and sentenced by the Mthatha High Court on November 27. The crime, described as "cold-blooded and senseless", occurred on October 10, 2022, when Goloshe shot and killed Daniel Sabelo Mxoli ,61, a traffic officer with the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality.
Mxoli was performing his duties at Sutherland Street in Mthatha, directing traffic, when Goloshe disobeyed his instructions to stop. Witnesses reported that Goloshe, driving a Toyota Tazz, sped past the traffic lights before pulling over nearby. Moments later, he approached Mxoli with a 9mm pistol in hand and fired two fatal shots.
"The victim succumbed to bullet wounds and passed on at the scene," said police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana.
The suspect fled immediately, leaving behind a shaken community and a grieving family.
A manhunt was launched the same day, culminating in Goloshe's arrest on October 14, 2022, at his sister’s house.
"An intensive investigation by the investigating team of the Hawks ensued which led to the arrest of the accused," said Mhlakuvana.
Goloshe made multiple court appearances but was denied bail throughout the trial. On sentencing him to 15 years’ direct imprisonment, the court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, provincial Head of the Hawks, praised the investigative team's relentless efforts.
IOL