The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Mthatha, has sentenced Someleze “Somie” Mazwi (24) to life imprisonment for the murder of the KwaBhaca (formerly known as Mount Frere) cab driver last week.
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Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Luxolo Tyali, said in addition, \u201cMazwi received 10 years for each of the two counts of kidnapping, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 20 years for attempted murder and eight years for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.\u201d He added that the court ordered these sentences to run concurrently with the life sentence.
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“The convictions stem from events that unfolded on July 9, 2023. On that day, the deceased cab driver and his associates responded to a request from a local hair salon operator, known to them, to transport two men to their homes in KwaBhaca. The salon operator remained behind while the cab operators drove off with the passengers,” said Tyali.
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He added that during this journey, the passengers instructed the driver to turn onto a gravel road. When he refused, Mazwi shot the associate in the neck and forced the driver away from the steering wheel. Mazwi and his accomplice then drove towards Qumbu. Near the town, they pulled both victims out of the vehicle, shot them multiple times and left them for dead.
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“Miraculously, the associate survived despite his injuries. He managed to find help and later informed the police about the salon operator’s involvement. He also positively identified Mazwi during the identification parade. Before the case went to trial, both the salon operator and Mazwi’s accomplice were mysteriously shot and killed. During the trial, Mazwi denied knowing the salon operator or being present at his salon on the day of the crime. However, State Advocate Chumile Mkentane led compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimony from people who saw him being picked up by the cab, as well as evidence from investigators who revealed that Mazwi had arranged for the hijacked vehicle to be operated as his cab in KwaZulu-Natal.”
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Welcoming the judgement, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Barry Madolo, said it can never be overemphasised how important human life is. “The NPA will continue to pursue such cases with vigour to send a strong message and deter would-be murderers,” said Madolo.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Mthatha, has sentenced Someleze “Somie” Mazwi (24) to life imprisonment for the murder of the KwaBhaca (formerly known as Mount 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