- By Julia Moyo
Two Honeydew police constables have been sentenced to 14 years behind bars for the murder of a detainee who died while in police custody at the Honeydew Police Station in 2019.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) confirmed the sentencing in a media release issued on Tuesday. Constable Rudzani Ernest Marumo, 43, and Constable Thabang Gerald Makgotla, 32, were each sentenced to 14 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of 40-year-old Thando Gazu.
The pair also received an additional three-year sentence for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), with the sentences set to run concurrently. According to IPID, Gazu died after allegedly being assaulted and tortured inside the holding cells at the Honeydew Police Station in October 2019.
Another victim, identified as Msizi Memela, was also allegedly assaulted during the incident. “Thando Gazu was certified dead whilst still in custody,” IPID said in the statement. The officers were arrested by IPID in 2019 before the matter was transferred to the South Gauteng High Court for trial.
The case previously drew public attention after four Honeydew police officers appeared in court in connection with the alleged assault and murder of a detainee. At the time, one of the accused denied entering the holding cells and denied assault allegations during bail proceedings in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court. 
Earlier reports also stated that six officers linked to the case had faced internal disciplinary processes, with some initially dismissed before later being reinstated following arbitration proceedings. The South Gauteng High Court also declared both officers unfit to possess a firearm on 18 May 2026.
IPID welcomed the sentencing, saying its investigations are premised on “thoroughness and quality.” The IPID further revealed that by the end of March 2026, it had secured 26 convictions involving murders committed by police officers, while more than 179 murder cases remained on court rolls across the country.
