IPID welcomes the sentences imposed on two Honeydew Police Constables accused of assault GBH and murder at the Honeydew Police Cells in October 2019.

43-year-old Constable Rudzani Ernest Marumo and 32-year-old Thabang Gerald Makgotla were each handed down a 14-year direct imprisonment sentence for the murder of Thando Gazu, a 40-year-old African male and 3 years for the assault.

It is alleged that Thando Gazu, died after being assaulted and tortured inside the holding cells at Honeydew Police Station while his friend, Msizi Memela was assaulted by the pair. Thando Gazu was certified dead whilst still in custody.

The accused police officials were arrested by IPID in 2019. The matter was subsequently transferred to the South Gauteng High Court for trial, where both were convicted on charges of murder and assault GBH.

The 14-year and 3 - year sentences for each accused officer will run concurrently. Both officers were also declared unfit to possess a firearm by the South Gauteng High Court on 18 May 2026.

IPID investigations are premised on thoroughness and quality. As at end March 2026, IPID secured 26 convictions for murder by police officers while more than 179 murder cases were on the court rolls.

Enquiries: Lizzy Suping