Serial killer Rassie Nkuna, former police officer Jacob Chego handed four life sentences each

Serial killer Rassie Nkuna and dismissed police officer Jacob Chego have each been sentenced to four life imprisonment terms for their involvement in the murders of Sabeiliwe Mogashoa and her husband.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the two men collectively faced 12 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, kidnapping and fraud.

The investigation established that Nkuna and Chego worked together to lure the Mogashoa couple before killing them for their motor vehicle.

The couple were murdered in front of their then eight-year-old son and one-year-old daughter. Sabeiliwe was also six months pregnant at the time of her death.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended the investigating team for bringing the complex case to a conclusion.

Particular praise was directed at Sergeant Nkosingphile Mathenjwa of the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit, who led the investigation.

Mathenjwa worked alongside members of the Gauteng Tracking Teams, including Sergeant Mpho Mutshekwane, Warrant Officer Lindokuhle Dlame, Warrant Officer Curtis Mathabela and Sergeant Vuledzani Netshituni.

Dimpane said the sentence was an important moment for the Mogashoa family, particularly the two children who were left without their parents.

“Today, we commend the investigating team for their perseverance and professionalism in ensuring that this matter reached its rightful conclusion before the courts,” Dimpane said.

“Sergeant Mathenjwa and the members of the Gauteng Tracking Teams demonstrated that no matter how complex a case may be, our investigators must remain relentless in the pursuit of justice.”

The parents of Sabeiliwe, Rachel Zwane and Dumisani Zwane, were present in court and welcomed the sentences.

They thanked the police, Major General Mbuso Khumalo and the investigating team for their efforts and for not giving up on the case.

Dimpane also expressed concern over Chego’s involvement as a former police officer, saying his actions had betrayed the trust placed in members of SAPS.

“Members of the SAPS are entrusted with protecting lives and upholding the law. When a police officer betrays that trust and becomes involved in serious criminality, it undermines the very principles we stand for,” he said.

“We will not protect members who choose to break the law. Where there is evidence of criminal conduct, members must face the consequences of their actions.”

SAPS said it would continue pursuing perpetrators of serious and violent crime regardless of their status, while working to ensure victims and their families receive justice.

The service extended its condolences to the Mogashoa family, acknowledging that no sentence could undo their loss but expressing hope that the judgment would provide a measure of closure.