Life Sentences Handed Down for Brutal 2020 Murder of Johannesburg Businesswomen

 

In a significant ruling on August 16, 2024, the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane sentenced four men to life imprisonment for their roles in the 2020 murder of two Johannesburg businesswomen. Stanley Thabo Leshabane (58), Mbekelezi Ndodo Buthelezi (28), Emmanuel Thembelani Dlamini (33), and Bhekizenzo Sfiso Phiyose (36) were convicted of the murders of Makoena Mabusela-Leshabane and her business partner, Tebogo Mphuti.

The court also imposed additional sentences on Buthelezi, who received three years for possession of firearms and one year for ammunition possession.

The tragic events unfolded on October 10, 2020, when Mabusela-Leshabane, a chartered accountant, and Mphuti were shot while sitting inside a Mercedes-Benz in Polokwane. They were inspecting a property when the attackers, hired by Mabusela-Leshabane’s husband, Stanley Leshabane, carried out the assault.

Evidence presented during the trial included testimonies from 22 witnesses, including an estate agent who saw the attackers approach the victims' vehicle armed with what appeared to be firearms. The attackers then opened fire on the victims, who were subsequently found dead at the scene.

Investigators used CCTV footage, toll gate records, and tracking data to trace the accused. They discovered that the vehicle used by the attackers was registered to Richard Zulu, who had died before the trial began. Further investigation led to the arrests of Buthelezi, Dlamini, and Phiyose. Cellphone records and tracking data linked the accused to the crime scene.

A key piece of evidence was a confession from Stanley Leshabane, who admitted to orchestrating the murders. Leshabane provided a photograph of his wife, along with details of the plan and a deposit for the murder. The total payment for the crime was R65,000.

During the trial, the court heard testimonies about the impact of the murders on the victims' families. Leshabane's stepson shared the emotional toll on the family, including the trauma experienced by the couple's children, who are now receiving counseling.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Geriet Muller emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime and the significant impact on the community. Senior State Advocate George Sekhukhune highlighted the meticulous planning involved and the resulting loss to the community, noting that Mabusela-Leshabane had provided employment and supported local charities.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the life sentences, with Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Ivy Thenga praising the investigative team and expressing satisfaction with the outcome. The court's decision underscores the severity of the crimes and the commitment to justice in this high-profile case.