DURBAN - The Durban High Court has sentenced Sabatha Mbatha, 30, and 24-year-old Sabelo Khuzwayo to life imprisonment for killing taxi owner Musawenkosi Mnyandu.
The two were also handed 25 years for the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition and were sentenced to five years for attempted murder.
According to spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele, in December 2019 police received a report of a shooting on Joe Slovo Street and Leopold Street and proceeded to the scene, where they found Mnyandu, 60, with gunshot wounds on the chest and stomach.
“Another bystander who was a taxi driver was also shot and wounded. Both victims were taken to hospital for medical attention and Mnyandu died on his arrival at the hospital,” Mbele said.
Charges of murder and attempted murder were opened for investigation by the provincial taxi task team.
“At the crime scene it was established that the deceased was a taxi owner affiliated to the Umzinyathi Taxi Association,” Mbele said.
“Police gathered all the information at the crime scene and the two accused were caught while trying to flee the crime scene. They were found in possession of two pistols and ammunition. They were then placed under arrest on charges of murder as well as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
“Umzinyathi and Inanda areas have been engulfed with shootings (and) most were taxi related. While we are still busy investigating the root causes, we are also appealing to the members of the community to assist with information that will help in nailing all those involved. We hope this sentence will bring comfort and hope to the family,” Mbele said.
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