Bloemfontein – The Bloemfontein High Court has sentenced two convicted contract killers to life imprisonment for the murder of a Free State man, following an investigation that uncovered their involvement in two violent attacks carried out less than a month apart.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said Nkwebe Seatile (32) and Tlotlisang Monyane (34) were convicted of the murder of Andries Mgoqi, as well as additional charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
According to police, the pair’s crime spree began on 28 January 2024, when they entered a nightclub in Bloemfontein and lured a 53-year-old man outside.
A struggle broke out near the entrance before one of the suspects allegedly drew a firearm and fired several shots, striking the victim in the face.
The victim survived the attack, and an attempted murder case was opened at Bainsvlei Police Station before being transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit for further investigation.
Less than a month later, on 16 February 2024, Mgoqi, 52, was standing outside a tavern in Bergman speaking to a friend when an armed man approached and shot him multiple times before fleeing in a white Mercedes-Benz.
Mgoqi died at the scene, prompting a murder investigation led by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.
Following an intelligence-driven investigation, the Mangaung Trio Task Team tracked the suspects to a safe house in Wepener, where they were arrested on 23 February 2024.
Police said investigations by Detective Captain Jacques Wilson and Detective Sergeant Lethola Taiwe, working alongside National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Advocate Lucky Bontes, revealed that the two men had been hired to carry out both attacks.
During sentencing, High Court Judge Van Zyl strongly condemned contract killings, saying the courts had a duty to protect society from such crimes.
In a rare move, the judge also called Captain Wilson to stand before the court, publicly praising his dedication, investigative work and the determination shown by the investigation team.
The court sentenced Seatile to life imprisonment for murder and an additional 10 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder.
Monyane was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and two years’ imprisonment for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
SAPS welcomed the sentences, describing them as a strong message that contract killings and organised violent crime would not go unpunished.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
