Mogashoa daughter says parents’ killers must “burn in hell”

In a heartbreaking audio clip released by police, the four-year-old daughter of the murdered couple, Lucky and Sabeliwe Mogashoa, says she hopes those responsible for killing her parents “burn in hell”.

This comes as the High Court in Pretoria sentenced serial killer, Rassie Nkuna, and former SAPS member, Jacob Chego, to four life sentences each for their roles in the murder of the Mogashoa couple in 2022.

The pair were convicted for the March 2022 murders near the Etwatwa off-ramp along the N12 in Ekurhuleni.

The couple were shot and killed in full view of their then eight-year-old son and one-year-old daughter, while Sabeliwe was heavily pregnant at the time.

In the audio, the couple’s daughter, Tshenolo, tells her grandmother how much she misses her parents and asks her to give her the names of the accused, saying she does not want them to kill “God’s people”.

The two accused collectively faced 12 counts, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, kidnapping and fraud, among other serious offences.

Nkuna was sentenced to four life terms for the murders, while the dismissed police officer, Chego, was also handed four life sentences for his role as an accomplice.

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

Acting National Commissioner, Puleng Dimpane, says the judgment provides an important measure of justice and accountability.

“We are particularly mindful of the Mogashoa family, who have had to live with an unimaginable loss. Two children lost their parents, and a family lost loved ones who can never be replaced.”

Dimpane also expressed concern over the involvement of a police officer in the heinous crime.

“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.”

Nkuna is also expected to stand trial for the April 2022 murder of Hilary Gardee, the daughter of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) deputy president, Godrich Gardee.

He is already serving two life sentences for the murders of his then-girlfriend, Pretty Mazibuko, and her sister, Marcia, in Mpumalanga.