Four Men Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Deadly Limpopo Cash-in-Transit Robbery
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Four men have been sentenced to life imprisonment, together with additional lengthy prison terms exceeding 100 years each, for their involvement in a cash-in-transit robbery in Limpopo that resulted in the death of a G4S escort driver.
The Polokwane High Court handed down the sentences on 20 October 2026 after the four men were convicted in connection with the attack, which took place in the Klaasier area in September 2023.
Victor Mhlanga, 31, David Matola, 55, Solomon Moyo, 31, and Fannie Blessing Maselela, 36, were each sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, alongside additional prison terms for other offences linked to the robbery.
Mhlanga, Matola and Moyo each received an additional 116 years in prison, while Maselela was sentenced to a further 115 years. The additional sentences will run concurrently with their life sentences for murder.
All four men were also declared unfit to possess firearms.
Armed attack on cash-in-transit vehicle
The robbery occurred on 20 September 2023 in the Klaasier area, within the Hoedspruit policing precinct in the Mopani District of Limpopo.
Approximately 12 armed suspects allegedly attacked a G4S armoured vehicle, a truck and a Toyota bakkie during the incident.
The attack resulted in the death of the G4S escort driver, who was shot during the robbery. His firearm was stolen, while an undisclosed amount of cash was taken.
Four suspects were killed during the incident. Another suspect was injured and arrested at the scene.
The incident formed part of the investigation that ultimately led to the convictions and lengthy sentences imposed on the four men.
Four men convicted on multiple charges
The four accused faced several charges arising from the robbery and related criminal activity.
These included murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of explosives and malicious damage to property.
The case was investigated by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Phalaborwa.
The investigation focused on the armed robbery and the killing of the escort driver, with the subsequent court proceedings resulting in the convictions and sentences handed down by the Polokwane High Court.
Nationalities of the sentenced men
The four men sentenced in the case are nationals of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Mhlanga and Matola are Mozambican nationals, while Moyo is a Zimbabwean national. Maselela is a South African national.
Their sentences include life imprisonment for murder, with the additional terms reflecting the other offences for which they were sentenced.
Hawks welcome lengthy sentences
Limpopo Hawks Provincial Head Major General (Adv.) Gobz Govender commended the investigators and other role-players involved in securing the convictions.
Govender acknowledged that the sentences could not bring back the deceased escort driver but said the outcome demonstrated that his life mattered and that those responsible had been held accountable.
He also expressed hope that the court’s decision would provide some comfort to the bereaved family.
The sentences mark the conclusion of the court proceedings against the four men in connection with the deadly cash-in-transit robbery.
The case highlights the serious criminal consequences faced by those convicted of murder, armed robbery and other offences associated with attacks on cash-in-transit operations.
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