Dingamazi Murderer Sentenced to 18 Years

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the sentencing of a 40-year-old man for murder.

The Giyani Regional Court handed down an 18-year direct imprisonment sentence on Monday, 29 September 2025, to Siza Solly Mavasa for the killing of 39-year-old Abrey Hlengani Chabalala in Dingamazi Village.

According to court proceedings, the incident occurred on 24 September 2022. Chabalala was sitting outside his home after returning from a party when Mavasa attacked him from behind, stabbing him several times before fleeing the scene.

A case of murder was registered and assigned to Detective Sergeant Charles Nzamisa Ngobeni of the Giyani Investigating Unit. Following a month-long investigation, the accused was traced to his hiding place in Soweto, Gauteng, where he was arrested.

After a full trial, the court convicted Mavasa and sentenced him to 18 years’ imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Lieutenant General Hadebe praised the diligent work of the investigating officer, saying:
“We welcome the final decision by the court and appreciate the efforts of the Investigation Officer.”