MANGAUNG – Murder accused, Ramolete Simon Masiu (30) was yesterday, 24 November 2020 sentenced by the Bloemfontein High court for the murder of Hawks Captain Qeya Tshabalala. He is sentenced to 25 years for murder and a further 15 years for robbery with aggravated circumstances. His sentence will run concurrently with that of murder.
Captain Tshabalala who was off duty was shot multiple times on 24 May 2018 after he responded to a complaint in Phelindaba, Mangaung. Masiu who was also linked to the crime scene through DNA was arrested in August 2019 after being on the run from 2018 when he was hospitalized for a gunshot shot wound he sustained during the shootout with Captain Tshabalala.
It was discovered during the trial that the deceased was ambushed and fatally shot by Masiu and his accomplice, Sprinkaan Maema who is already serving 33 years imprisonment for the murder of Tshabalala.
During the investigation, the official car which was under the care of Captain Tshabalala and was taken after the shooting was found abandoned near Dewetsdorp and his cellphone was found in the possession of Masiu’s co-accused, Sprinkaan Maema.
The Provincial Commissioner of Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane applauded the good work by Sergeant Jona and the Organised team for their commitment in ensuring that the death of Captain Tshabalala is not in vain and that those responsible are held liable.