In a shocking turn of events, Thabo Makgobola, famously known as General Manizo within the circles of the notorious Bad Company gang, has been handed a 14-year prison sentence for murder, along with convictions for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The ruling, delivered at the Polokwane High Court, has sent ripples through both his fanbase and the criminal underworld he once held sway over.

 

 

The sentence comes as a result of Manizo’s guilty plea to the murder of his girlfriend, Kgaogelo Maake, aged 23, and his possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The court handed down 14 years for the murder charge, accompanied by 5 years for firearm possession and 3 years for ammunition possession. However, the latter sentences will run concurrently with the 14-year term for the murder conviction, offering little reprieve for the once-feared figure.

Manizo’s meteoric fall from his status as the ring leader of the Bad Company crew to a convicted criminal has left many in disbelief. Despite his numerous attempts at securing bail, he remained incarcerated for over a year before eventually admitting his guilt. The plea agreement, which he signed recently, marked a pivotal moment in his downfall.

Mashudu Dzangi, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), confirmed the plea agreement, stating that Manizo admitted to both the murder and the firearm-related charges. The incident that led to this grim outcome occurred in March 2022, when Manizo shot and killed Maake in Morudji Village, Bolobedu South.

Manizo, known for his musical talents as an Amadamara musician, had been awaiting trial while in police custody following his arrest in April 2022. His sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can befall even those deeply entrenched in criminal enterprises. As his prison term begins, the once-feared “godfather” of Bad Company faces a future starkly different from the one he had carved for himself.