By AGISANANG SCUFF

10 September 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentences imposed by the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court on three accused, Thapelo Ngwenya (31), Sfiso Maseko (34), and Ntsindiso Mtunzini (34), following their convictions for murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and related offences arising from a series of so-called “Sganai” scam incidents that targeted unsuspecting members of the public. Ngwenya and Maseko were each sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Piet Masilo, a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said in addition, Ngwenya received a combined sentence of 60 years imprisonment for four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, while Maseko was sentenced to a combined 75 years imprisonment for four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and the unlawful possession of a firearm. Mabasa said Mtunzini was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

“The convictions and sentences stem from a series of “Sganai” scam incidents committed between 2021 and 2022. The accused operated as part of a syndicate that allegedly used fraudulent advertisements on Facebook Marketplace to lure unsuspecting victims under the guise of legitimate sales transactions.

“Victims were directed to predetermined locations where they were robbed of their valuables. One of the incidents occurred on 28 November 2021, when Masilo travelled with his wife and five-year-old daughter to purchase an ice-cream machine advertised for sale. Upon arriving at the location provided by the accused, he realised that he was being robbed and a confrontation ensued,” she said.

Mabasa said during the incident, he was fatally wounded. She further said the accused fled the scene after stealing his belongings.

“In another incident on 21 January 2022, a victim travelled to Winterveldt to purchase a music system advertised on Facebook Marketplace. After arriving, he was instructed by the accused that a relative would collect him and take him to the location where the transaction would be concluded.

“Instead, he was transported to another location, where he was confronted by three men, one of whom was armed with a firearm. The victim was robbed of his vehicle, cellular phone, bank cards, and R6 200 in cash,” she added.

Mabasa said a further R1 500 was withdrawn from his bank account after the accused forced him to disclose his bank card PIN. She said on 28 February 2022, another victim and his girlfriend travelled to Winterveldt to purchase CDJs and a sound mixer advertised on the same online platform.

“After being directed to an alternative location, they were confronted by unknown men who demanded money from them. The couple was robbed of their vehicle, cellular phones, bank cards, a ring, cash amounting to R13 200, and other valuables.

“In a further incident on 11 March 2022, the accused allegedly employed the same modus operandi to lure another victim through a Facebook Marketplace advertisement for a music system. While discussing the purported sale, an unknown man emerged and pointed a firearm at the victim,” said Mabasa.

She said the accused demanded money, cellular phones, bank cards, and PIN codes before robbing him of his possessions and a further R5 250. Mabasa said the investigation eventually led police to Mtunzini’s residence on 23 March 2022.

“With his consent, officers searched the premises and discovered a 9mm pistol and one live round of ammunition for which he could not produce a licence. He was arrested, while the other accused were subsequently apprehended and remained in custody until the finalisation of the case,” she said.

Mabasa said the NPA remains steadfast in its fight against violent crime, organised criminal activity, and online fraud schemes that target unsuspecting members of the public. She said the successful prosecution of this matter demonstrates the NPA’s commitment to ensuring accountability for serious offenders and securing justice for victims and their families.

State Prosecutor Rodger Mareume argued that the offences demonstrated a blatant disregard for human life and public safety. Mareume submitted that the accused had preyed on unsuspecting victims through carefully orchestrated online scams and that the murder of Masilo, committed in the presence of his wife and young daughter, underscored the severe impact of their criminal conduct.

“The accused’s actions constituted a gross violation of the constitutional right to life and urged the court to impose a severe sentence to punish the offenders and deter similar crimes, particularly given the prevalence of “Sganai” scams in the jurisdiction,” he said.

In sentencing, the court agreed with the State and found that, in respect of Ngwenya and Maseko, there were no substantial and compelling circumstances justifying a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence. The court accordingly imposed life imprisonment for the murder of Masilo, together with the additional sentences for robbery and related offences.

Welcoming the outcome, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Investigating Officer Siphiwe Tshabalala and Prosecutor Rodger Mareume for their dedication and diligence in securing the convictions and sentences.

“This sentence demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies and the NPA to ensuring that criminal networks that prey on unsuspecting and vulnerable members of society are brought to justice.

“These offenders robbed innocent victims of their property and, in the most tragic instance, took the life of an innocent person in pursuit of greed. We commend the investigation and prosecution teams for their unwavering dedication in bringing this matter to finality,” she said.

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