Two members of the “COVID-19” gang, Sikhumbuzo Shaun Mpangane and Bonginkosi Shakoane, were sentenced to nine life sentences and 60 years in prison for killing six people in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Mpangane had previously served time for possessing an illegal firearm and went on to create his own gang. The successful conviction of these gang members gave temporary relief to the region that has been struggling with ongoing gang violence.
Successful Conviction of Dreaded Gang Members in Mpumalanga
Sikhumbuzo Shaun Mpangane and Bonginkosi Shakoane, members of the “COVID-19” gang, were sentenced to nine life sentences and 60 years of prison time for taking the lives of six individuals in the Bushbuckridge Municipality. Mpangane had previously served time for possessing an illegal firearm and went on to create his own sinister group. The successful arrest and sentencing of these two criminals brought a momentary sigh of relief to a region grappling with persistent gang violence.
The Arrest and Conviction
In Mpumalanga, South Africa, local authorities recently celebrated a significant victory against crime with the successful prosecution of two infamous gang members. Sikhumbuzo Shaun Mpangane, 36, and Bonginkosi Shakoane, 24, received a total of nine life sentences and additional 60 years of prison time. This ruling came from the High Court’s Mpumalanga Division in Mbombela. The stern sentence is a testament to the hard work of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, who have diligently probed several murder cases linked to the pair.
The two men were charged with inflicting a reign of terror and taking the lives of six individuals in the Bushbuckridge Municipality, which is within Mpumalanga’s jurisdiction. The identities of the victims’ families remain undisclosed to respect their privacy and dignity.
The “COVID-19” Gang and Their Crimes
Mpangane, a former member of the dreaded Ellesse Gang, went on to create his own sinister group, shockingly named “COVID-19”. The group included Shakoane and other individuals, and their wave of terror began soon after Mpangane’s parole release on 26 December 2020. He had previously served time for possessing an illegal firearm. Within two days of being free, Mpangane had claimed his first victim, a member from a rival gang.
Their criminal activities took a particularly horrific turn on June 16, 2021. The duo targeted a family home in Madras, Bushbuckridge, and brutally murdered four family members in their sleep. The victims were the parents of a previous attack survivor by Mpangane and two teenage girls. The surviving family member, linked to a rival gang, is serving a life sentence for murder.
In their final act of terror, the pair murdered another individual and set fire to a house in Bushbuckridge. Soon after, authorities apprehended Mpangane on June 20, 2021, and Shakoane was arrested on February 11, 2022.
The Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the court proceedings, the extensive list of crimes committed by Mpangane and Shakoane was revealed. Mpangane received five life sentences for five murder counts, 20 years for two attempted murders, seven years for possession of an illegal firearm, and five years each for kidnapping, housebreaking with intent to murder, and assault intending to cause severe bodily harm.
Likewise, Shakoane received four life sentences for four murder counts, 10 years for attempted murder, five years for kidnapping, and three years for assault with intent to inflict severe harm. The court declared both men unfit to own firearms.
Acknowledgements and Reflections
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the investigation team for their professionalism and diligence leading to these dangerous criminals’ conviction.
The successful arrest and sentencing of these two criminals brought a momentary sigh of relief to a region grappling with persistent gang violence. The tale of Mpangane and Shakoane serves as a chilling reminder that no matter how delayed, justice is never denied. The unwavering efforts of the South African Police Service to uphold law and order brings a glimmer of hope to the communities they serve.
Who were the gang members that were convicted in Mpumalanga?
The two convicted gang members were Sikhumbuzo Shaun Mpangane and Bonginkosi Shakoane, members of the “COVID-19” gang.
What was the sentence given to the gang members?
Sikhumbuzo Shaun Mpangane and Bonginkosi Shakoane were sentenced to nine life sentences and an additional 60 years of prison time.
What crimes did the gang members commit?
The gang members were charged with murder, attempted murder, possession of an illegal firearm, kidnapping, housebreaking with intent to murder, and assault intending to cause severe bodily harm.
What is the name of the gang and who created it?
The “COVID-19” gang was created by Sikhumbuzo Shaun Mpangane, a former member of the Ellesse gang.
What was the result of the investigations by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit?
The investigations led to the successful prosecution of the two gang members, resulting in their conviction.
What was the reaction of the Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS to the conviction of the gang members?
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the investigation team for their professionalism and diligence leading to the conviction of the dangerous criminals.
