PRETORIA – The Pretoria High Court has scheduled sentencing proceedings for September 21 to 25 for convicted murderer Obvious Lindokuhle Magudulela (32). He was convicted of murdering an Atteridgeville taxi manager and attempting to kill a bystander on Thursday 16 April.
Magudulela was found guilty on multiple counts including premeditated murder, attempted murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The charges stem from the fatal shooting of taxi manager Jan Njomo and the attempted murder of bystander, Kgomotso Mokwena on 1 July 2022, at approximately 05:00 in Atteridgeville.
Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa’s Pretoria division, said the state presented a strong case. State prosecutor Advocate Mokautu Masilo, presented compelling evidence against Magudulela, despite the accused denied involvement in the crimes and not pleading guilty.
“Evidence presented during the trial was corroborated by testimony from three eyewitnesses and police officials who attended the scene, ultimately proving the state’s case beyond reasonable doubt,” Mahanjana said.
Court evidence revealed that Njomo was fatally shot following an argument with two taxi marshals. During the altercation, the deceased reportedly instructed the marshals to refrain from engaging with him directly and to report any concerns to the office. Njomo then approached another taxi manager to recount the incident.
“While speaking to the other manager, Magudulela suddenly opened fire on Njomo, fell to the ground after being shot. A stray bullet struck Mokwena, who was standing nearby. Witness testified that Magudulela continued to shoot Njomo while he was on the ground before fleeing the scene. Njomo was declared dead at the scene,” Mahanjana said.
Following investigations and an intensive search, Magudulela was arrested on October 21 of the same year while hiding in Pretoria West. Mahanjana said the accused has remained in custody since his arrest after the NPA successfully opposed his release on bail.
