On Wednesday, 16 September 2026, Enhle Mbali took to Instagram to share her sentiments regarding the life imprisonment sentences issued to the murderers of the pregnant police officer Sabeliwe Mogashoa and her husband, Lucky. In her post, she included a video from News24 titled “5-year-old’s plea for justice before parents’ killers jailed for life,” alongside a poignant prayer.
“God, this state can only be fixed by you!!! We are not worthy, and we need you to help fix our hearts. In Jesus ‘ name… Amen!!!” she wrote in her caption.
Mbali’s message came amid rising public concern over violent crime, especially against women, following a string of killings reported in Ekurhuleni since July 2026.
The sentences behind the reaction
Rassie Hlabirwa Nkuna, 37, from Mpumalanga, and Jacob Mothibe Chego, 41, a former police officer from the White River Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, were sentenced at the Pretoria High Court on 2 September 2026. Each received two life sentences for two counts of premeditated murder and additional life sentences for conspiracy to commit murder related to the deaths of Lucky Mogashoa and his pregnant wife, Sabeliwe, in March 2022.
In addition to the murder charges, both were given five-year sentences for four counts of kidnapping, as well as five-year terms for fraud and obstructing justice. Nkuna also received 15 extra years for two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances. The court mandated that all sentences will run concurrently with the life sentences and classified both men as unfit to hold firearms.
Appeal bid rejected
After the verdict, Chego’s attorney filed a motion to appeal his conviction and sentence, along with a request for bail while the appeal was considered. The National Prosecuting Authority effectively countered both motions, ensuring Chego remains incarcerated.
The couple’s tragic demise occurred in front of their young children, and it was the emotional plea for justice from their five-year-old that resonated with the public and focused attention on the case prior to sentencing.
