Serial killer Nkuna, former cop handed four life terms for couple’s murder
Serial killer Rassie Nkuna and dismissed police officer Jacob Chego have been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of the Mogashoas.
Sabeliwe and Lucky Mogashoa were shot and killed in front of their young son and daughter during a hijacking in March 2022.
Sabeliwe was six months pregnant at the time of the murders.
Nkuna and Chego collectively faced 12 counts, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, kidnapping, fraud and other serious offences arising from the case.
The High Court in Pretoria sentenced Nkuna to four life terms for each of the murders, while Chego was also handed down four life sentences for his role as an accomplice in the murders.
Police investigations determined that Nkuna and Chego worked together to lure the couple before ultimately murdering them for their car.
#sapsHQ [RASSIE NKUNA AND JACOB CHEGO SENTENCED TO FOUR LIFE IMPRISONMENT TERMS EACH]
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 2, 2026
The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the investigating team following the sentencing of serial killer Rassie… pic.twitter.com/EEZbK7Py54
In an audio recording shared by the South African Police Service, the couple’s daughter, who was one at the time of the murders, asks who killed her parents.
The child speaks about how much she misses both her parents, while her grandmother gently explains to her that the police worked tirelessly to find the “bad man” behind her parents’ deaths.
“Are they still in jail? Because I don’t want him to come back and kill God’s people,” the girl said.
Nkuna faces another murder charge in a separate matter, where he is accused of killing the daughter of Economic Freedom Fighters’ deputy president Gordrich Gardee.
POLICE COMMISSIONER COMMENDS INVESTIGATOR
The Acting National Commissioner, Puleng Dimpane, commended Sergeant Nkosingphile Mathenjwa, attached to the Gauteng Murder and Robbery Unit, for his dedication, perseverance, and professionalism in ensuring the complex probe reached its conclusion.
“We are also deeply concerned by the involvement of a former police officer in this matter. 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. 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,” Dimpane added.
Sgt 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.
Sabeiliwe’s parents, Rachel Zwane and Dumisani Zwane, were also in court.
They welcomed the hefty sentence and expressed their happiness that justice had finally been served.
