Two accused, Jan Dlamini (37) and Thabani Ngcobo (30) who maintained their innocence for the crimes they committed in 2012, have been finally convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment each for murder.
They were further sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each for attempted murder and Ngcobo was further sentenced to seven years for possession of an unlicensed firearm. They were sentenced on 28 July 2017 by the Pietermaritzburg High Court.
In 2015 their co-accused Sibusiso Zuma (34), Mali Mazibuko (41), Mxokozeli Mazibuko (54) who pleaded guilty to murder in the Pietermaritzburg High Court were convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment each for the same murder. Bricks Zuma was sentenced 15 years imprisonment for murder and five years for attempted murder.
In February 2012, Zimele Reggie Mazibuko (35) who was a prominent taxi owner with Farraday Taxi Association in the Gauteng province, was at his house sleeping with his brother at Ngodini area near Estcourt when they were attacked by a group of armed suspects who shot and killed Mazibuko and his brother was seriously injured. A case of murder and attempted murder was opened at Amangwe police station for further investigation.
Through investigation, his other brother, Mali Mazibuko was arrested and he made a confession as to how he gave information to other accused who wanted to kill the deceased, Zimele Mazibuko. The deceased was killed for a taxi route dispute in Gauteng. Later, the other accused were arrested and were all charged for murder and attempted murder. One of them was found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol during his arrest and was further charged for possession of unlicensed firearm.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa welcomed the heavy sentence handed down to the accused. “This will serve as a warning to other criminals who attack the taxi owners fighting for taxi routes and other related cases. We will not rest until our dedicated and committed police officers arrest the outstanding suspect, Thokozani Chonco (41) who is still at large. A warrant for his arrest was issued and anyone who may know his whereabouts is urged to contact the investigating officer or any local police station. Our Crime Stop number 08600 10111 can be used to provide information,” he said.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
