11/09/2026
ALERT | Gauteng police have welcomed the lengthy sentences handed down by the Ga-Rankuwa High Court against members of an online marketplace robbery syndicate, who were sentenced to two life terms and a combined 150 years’ imprisonment.
The sentences follow an extensive investigation into a syndicate that allegedly lured unsuspecting victims through advertisements posted on Facebook Marketplace, before robbing them of their vehicles and other valuables.
The investigation originated from five cases registered at Loate Police Station between November 2021 and March 2022. The suspects faced charges including murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The investigation established that the group allegedly operated as an organised criminal syndicate, with its members performing different roles, including advertising items for sale, communicating with potential victims, arranging to meet them and directing them to predetermined locations.
The suspects advertised items such as ice-cream machines, DJ sound systems and vehicles on Facebook Marketplace at attractive prices. Once potential victims expressed interest, they were allegedly provided with a location in Winterveld where they were instructed to meet the purported sellers.
One of the incidents occurred on 28 November 2021, after a victim responded to an advertisement for an ice-cream machine. The victim travelled to Winterveld with his wife after communicating with the suspects.
Upon arrival, the victim was allegedly collected by a young boy who led him to a secluded location. He was subsequently confronted by a group of armed suspects who pointed fi****ms at him and instructed him to exit his vehicle.
During the confrontation, the victim attempted to defend himself but was overpowered and shot three times in the stomach. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to hospital.
Following an intensive investigation, members of the Gauteng Provincial Organised Crime Unit, led by Detective Sergeant Sydney Siphiwe Tshabalala, conducted an operation in Winterveld on 12 March 2022, resulting in the arrest of four suspects: Sifiso Maseko (31), Thapelo Ngwenya (33), Kabelo Joseph Ngwenya (33) and Ntsindiso Alfred Mtunzini (34).
The four accused were placed on the court roll in connection with five separate cases involving online marketplace robberies and carjackings. They remained in custody from 23 March 2022.
On Tuesday, 08/09, the court handed down the following sentences:
Accused 1 – Sifiso Maseko was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 60 years’ direct imprisonment.
Accused 2 – Thapelo Ngwenya was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 75 years’ direct imprisonment.
Accused 3 – Kabelo Joseph Ngwenya was found not guilty.
Accused 4 – Ntsindiso Alfred Mtunzini was sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment on the charges.
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