Andries Mgoqi was shot and killed outside his tavern in Bergman, Bloemfontein, in February 2024. It is alleged while he was talking with a friend, an unknown African male pulled out a firearm and shot him while he was passing.

Nkwebe Seatile, 32, and Tlotlisang Monyane, 34, were convicted of Mgoqi’s murder, along with additional charges stemming from a separate violent attack less than a month before the assassination.

The court sentenced Seatile to life imprisonment for murder and a further ten years for attempted murder, while Monyane received life imprisonment for murder and two years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm on Friday (17/7).

“The court has sent a clear and resounding message to hitmen and syndicate operators by sentencing two ruthless contract killers,” said Free State police spokesperson Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli.

“The heavy sentences follow their conviction for the brutal murder of Andries Mgoqi, alongside additional charges of attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.”

The case dates back to January 2024 when the pair entered a nightclub in Bloemfontein and lured a man, 53, outside. During a struggle near the entrance, one of the men drew a firearm and fired several shots, striking the victim in the face. Despite his severe injuries, the victim survived.

Less than three weeks later, in February, Mgoqi was standing outside his tavern in Bergman, Bloemfontein, speaking to a friend when an armed man approached and opened fire.

The gunman fled the scene in a white Mercedes-Benz, while emergency personnel declared Mgoqi dead after he sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the heart and body.

At the time, police launched a murder investigation and appealed to the public for information. Mgoqi’s death sent shockwaves through the Mangaung community, with Centlec confirming the slain businessman was its former chief executive officer.

The investigation established that both men had been hired as contract killers and were paid to carry out both the attempted murder at the nightclub and the assassination of Mgoqi.

During earlier court proceedings, Free State police described the arrests as a breakthrough in dismantling a broader organised crime syndicate linked to contract killings across the province.

Authorities also confirmed a third suspect had been arrested in Lesotho and was awaiting extradition to South Africa.

Handing down sentence, Judge Corné van Zyl strongly condemned contract killings, saying the courts have a duty to protect society from such crimes.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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