Siphesihle Tatsi, a worshipper at Mancoba Seven Angels Ministries, received a staggering 241-year prison sentence for his involvement in the gruesome Ngcobo police mass murders.
Full list of crimes that contributed to Siphesihle Tatsi 241-year sentence
Here’s a breakdown of the charges he was found guilty of:
- Murders – 18 Years Each: Tatsi pleaded guilty to six counts of murder. Each murder charge resulted in an 18-year prison term, totalling 108 years.
- Attempted Murders – 12 Years Each: He was also charged with two counts of attempted murder, leading to 12 years for each count, summing up to 24 years.
- Housebreaking – 10 Years: Tatsi faced one count of housebreaking, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence.
- Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition – Eight Years Each: For each of the three counts of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, he received an 8-year term, amounting to 24 years.
- Possession of Ammunition – Five Years: He faced one count of possession of ammunition, resulting in a five-year prison term.
- Conspiracy – 10 Years: Tatsi was found guilty of conspiracy, leading to a 10-year sentence.
- Robberies – 10 Years Each: He faced five counts of robbery, with each count earning him 10 years, totaling 50 years.
- Robbery with Aggravated Circumstances – 10 Years: Additionally, Tatsi was charged with robbery with aggravated circumstances, leading to another 10-year prison term.
All the sentences will run concurrently, meaning that the cumulative prison time amounts to 18 years.
Tatsi co-accused trial expected to conclude on this day
Tatsi’s co-accused, Phumzile Mhlatywa (50), Phandani Monco (35), Kwanele Ndlwana (27), and Siphosomzi Tshefu, pleaded not guilty and are currently standing trial. The case against them will be finalised on 15 September 2023.
Tatsi’s conviction and sentencing were the result of a meticulous investigation by the Mthatha Hawks, who led a task team to apprehend the suspects responsible for the murder and robbery of five on-duty police officers from Ngcobo police station.
The tragic incident took place on 21 February 2018, when Tatsi and his accomplices attacked and killed the police officers while robbing them of their service pistols.
The accused were worshippers at Mancoba Seven Angels Church in Ngcobo.
The police task team acted on a tip-off and raided the Mancoba church premises on 23 February 2018, leading to a shootout during which five suspects, including Tatsi, were apprehended.