Mthatha Man Convicted of Murdering Traffic Officer

Siphesonke Galoshe, 36, was convicted of murder on November 21, 2024, by the Mthatha High Court for the tragic killing of traffic officer Daniel Sabelo Mxoli, 61. The conviction follows Galoshe’s arrest by the Hawks on October 14, 2024, after a thorough investigation into the crime.

The incident occurred on October 10, 2022, while Officer Mxoli was directing traffic on the busy corner of Sutherland Street and York Road in Mthatha CBD. Galoshe allegedly ignored the officer’s commands to stop and drove through traffic signals. He later parked his car nearby and confronted Mxoli while armed with a 9mm pistol. Witnesses reported that Galoshe fired two shots at the officer in full view of his younger colleagues and street vendors. The victim then succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The brutal killing of “Bra Dan” as some would call him, did not only upset his colleagues and family, but the entire community of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.

Following the incident, a manhunt was launched, leading investigators to Galoshe’s sister’s house, where his vehicle was located. He was arrested shortly after, making multiple court appearances in his bid for bail, which was consistently denied.

Galoshe who is a former Agricultural Sciences educator at Tutor Ndamase High School in Ngqeleni, first pleaded not guilty to murder when he made his first appearance in court, but did not deny killing the victim. The suspect suddenly made a U-turn and pleaded guilty to the charge of murder against him claiming he was high on drugs.

After all the arguments were presented before the Mthatha High Court, Galoshe was then sentenced to 15 years in prison. Community members have expressed disappointments with the sentencing claiming the justice system has been too lenient towards Galoshe.