The Middelburg Division of the High Court recently sentenced Andile Brian Ndlangamandla (44) and Thembinkosi Mandla Chonco (37) to life each for the premeditated murder of the chairperson of the Middelburg Taxi Association, Masinya Charlie Mthimunye in September 2018.

The Mpumalanga spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, said four men were initially accused of the murder in this case, but one died before the trial and one turned state witness.

“The court heard that the men were armed with firearms and went to the deceased’s property in Rooibos Kranse in Middelburg under the guise of buying cattle. While engaging with Mthimunye and his friend, the convicts fired shots, fatally shooting Mthimunye before fleeing the scene. During the trial, they denied their involvement. However, the State presented compelling evidence, including testimony from the state witness who detailed the crime and confirmed Ndlangamandla’s role in orchestrating the murder. The evidence revealed that he had hired a hitman for R40 000 and actively managed the execution of the crime,” she said.

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Nyuswa said in aggravation of sentencing, Mthimunye’s wife had shared the murder’s devastating impact, including the financial struggles and the emotional toll on her family.

“In delivering the sentence, Judge Thandolwethu Mankge highlighted the premeditated and violent nature of the crime, emphasising its intent to disrupt the taxi industry in eMalahleni.”

The court further declared the men unfit to possess firearms.