The High Court in Pretoria has handed down a life sentence to 53-year-old Fanyana Khoza, a Mozambican national from Katlehong, for the murder of his accomplice, Linda Tshabalala, during a failed car hijacking. The incident occurred on 14 January 2021 when Khoza and three other suspects attempted to hijack a man driving home from work.
The victim, who had just finished his shift at KitKat Cash & Carry in Pretoria West, was traveling along the R101 Old Johannesburg Road when the gang ambushed him. During the chaotic attempt, one of the robbers, Linda Tshabalala, was accidentally shot and killed by his own associates. The rest of the gang fled the scene in panic, leaving behind one of their getaway vehicles.
A witness quickly alerted the authorities. Inside the abandoned vehicle, police recovered a cellphone, which led them to Khoza. He was arrested on 9 July 2021 at his residence and was found in possession of a stolen vehicle at the time.
Khoza pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, compelling testimony from the investigating officer and the victim, presented by State Advocate Ambrose Masekoameng, led to his conviction. The court found Khoza guilty of multiple charges: murder, attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful presence in South Africa, and possession of stolen property.
Alongside the life sentence for murder, Khoza received 10 years for the robbery attempt, two years for being illegally in the country, and 12 months for possessing stolen goods. All sentences are to run concurrently with the life term.
During sentencing, Khoza’s defense attorney pleaded for leniency, citing his role as a father to three children. However, the State strongly opposed any reduction in sentence, highlighting Khoza’s extensive criminal record. Past convictions included robbery, drug possession, and hijacking. Despite being granted parole twice before, Khoza had reoffended both times.
Advocate Masekoameng argued that Khoza had shown no remorse and had proven incapable of rehabilitation, branding him a persistent threat to public safety. He urged the court to impose the full mandatory sentence without deviation.
Judge Papi Mosopa agreed with the State’s argument. In his judgment, he emphasized that Khoza had turned crime into a way of life and had shown no accountability or intent to change. “There are no compelling reasons to reduce the sentence,” the judge said. “This should serve as a warning—repeated offenders who endanger the lives of others will receive no mercy.”
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the sentence, calling it a strong message to habitual criminals who abuse parole and continue to engage in violent crime. The conviction serves as a reminder that South African courts remain firm in delivering justice and protecting public safety.