POLOKWANE – Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Nneke Ledwaba, has welcomed the long jail terms given to taxi violence perpetrators.
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The High Court in Polokwane, sentenced eight accused to lengthy jail terms for murder, assault GBH, pointing of firearm, possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition, malicious damage to property and public violence, says police spokesperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe.
The sentences follow the taxi feud which erupted between the Ohrigstad Taxi Association and the Leolo Taxi Association in March 2017.
“During this feud, one man was shot dead and several vehicles (including taxis) damaged. Police were notified, reacted swiftly and arrested the suspects,” he said.
A dedicated task team was established and began with their initial investigations which culminated into these heavy jail terms.
The accused were sentenced as follows:
Stanley Ramaila (41) and Aubrey Mafane (34) were each sentenced to:
– 15 years for murder.
– Three years for possession of a firearm without a license.
– Two years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
– 12 months or R20 000 for assault GBH.
– Two years for public violence.
Nathaniel Matshaba (37) and Tumelo Makofane (35) were each sentenced to:
– 10 years for murder.
– Three years for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
– Two years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
– Two years imprisonment for public violence.
Lucas Kgwedi (50) and Meshack Shai (45) were each sentenced to:
– Two years for public violence.
Hector Komane (34) was sentenced to:
– Three years imprisonment or R10 000 for malicious damage to property.
– Two years for public violence.
Godfrey Mphogo (47) was sentenced to:
– 12 months imprisonment or R20 000 for pointing a firearm.
– One year for public violence.
Ngoepe added that all the accused were declared unfit to possess firearms.
“These sentences will serve as a strong warning to the public in general that any person who is involved in public violence, will be dealt with harshly by the law,” concluded General Ledwaba.
