DURBAN - Four men have been convicted for an attack on a bus in 2018 that led to six deaths.
The bus was transporting Modikwa platinum mine workers in Limpopo.
The attack occurred on the evening of April 2, 2018.
The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane convicted Sipho Khumalo, 29, Philemon Makwana, 34, and Thabo Mokgala, 28, on six counts of murder, 47 counts of attempted murder and one count of malicious damage to property.
In a statement on Tuesday, Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said at the beginning of the trial on September 30, 2019, a fourth accused, Kgaugelo Moime, pleaded guilty to all counts and further implicated the other accused.
Thirty-year-old Moime was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for each count of murder and 10 years imprisonment for each count of attempted murder, Malabi-Dzhangi said.
She said four men and two women were burnt beyond recognition after the attack on the Segweka bus service in Driekop village, outside Burgersfort.
The area was a pick-up point and the bus was collecting Modikwa platinum mine workers.
Malabi-Dzhangi said the accused met and agreed to burn the bus.
“The four got into the bus and Sipho poured petrol whilst Philemon set the bus alight. They then jumped out, leaving behind the bus engulfed in flames,” she said.
The case was postponed to Wednesday, June 30, 2021 for sentencing.
THE MERCURY