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| "Smiling Assassin" Sentenced to Life |
Immanuel Charles Maboko, a 35-year-old from Burgersfort, was sentenced to three life terms in prison for the murder of three individuals. Known as the "Smiling Assassin," Maboko also received an additional 15-year sentence for aggravated robbery and a 3-year sentence for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. While the life sentences will be served consecutively, the robbery and firearm possession sentences will run concurrently.
Maboko, who represented himself and maintained a not-guilty plea, remained silent throughout the trial. The prosecution presented substantial evidence, revealing that Maboko entered a BMW dealership in Nirvana, Polokwane, posing as a buyer. During an altercation, he fatally shot Muofhe Luvhimbi, a 56-year-old educator from Tshikuwi village in the Vhembe District, before fleeing in a stolen BMW X6M. Authorities apprehended Maboko near Peter Mokaba Stadium, where they found two firearms in the vehicle.
Further investigations linked Maboko to two additional murders. On April 1, 2022, he allegedly shot and killed Malatji Putana Lucas outside his home in Mabocha village. Maboko was also implicated in the death of Professor Mohamed Saber Tayob, who was fatally shot while jogging along Munnik Street in Sterkpark, Polokwane.
The court's decision reflects the severity of Maboko's crimes, with Judge Nhlapo emphasizing the need for accountability in violent offenses.
