Justice Served: Mthatha Court Sentences Man to 15 Years for Fatal Shooting of Traffic Officer

In a recent ruling that has captured the attention of the Eastern Cape community, the Mthatha High Court has handed down a 15-year direct imprisonment sentence to Siphesonke Goloshe for the murder of traffic officer Daniel Sabelo Mxoli. This decision came after extended legal proceedings that began with Goloshe’s arrest in October 2022.

On the morning of October 10, 2022, Daniel Sabelo Mxoli, a 61-year-old traffic officer employed by the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, was performing his duties on Sutherland Street in Mthatha. According to reports, Mxoli was directing traffic when Goloshe, driving a Toyota Tazz, blatantly disregarded Mxoli's instructions to halt, brushing past the traffic lights before stopping nearby. Exiting his vehicle, Goloshe approached Mxoli wielding a 9mm pistol, from which he fired two shots that fatally wounded the officer.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Goloshe fled the scene, prompting a prompt response from law enforcement agencies. The case was escalated to the Mthatha Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Hawks. A manhunt led investigators to the sister’s house of Goloshe where his vehicle was located, facilitating his arrest just four days after the murder.

The intensive investigation conducted by the Hawks culminated in several court appearances by Goloshe, during which he was consistently denied bail. The trial concluded with the Mthatha High Court’s judgment on November 27, 2024, sentencing Goloshe to 15 years in prison and permanently revoking his eligibility to possess a firearm.

Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, the Provincial Head of the Hawks, expressed his appreciation for the investigating team's diligence. "This rigorous sentence not only reflects the severity of Goloshe’s crime but also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such unlawful actions," he stated.

The community and the local police have expressed relief at the closure of this case, hoping it will serve as a deterrent against future crimes in the region. The legal process for Goloshe is concluded, leaving a poignant reminder of the rule of law and justice in South Africa.