A 36-year-old, who in 2019 killed six people in Centurion, including taxi operators and innocent bystanders for R150 000 payment, received a lengthy jail sentence in the Pretoria High Court recently.

Mjabuliseni Linda Luthuli was one of three gunmen who, on December 2, 2019 opened fire on a taxi in Wierdabrug and later on commuters at the Olievenhoutbosch taxi rank where someone managed to shoot back at them. Luthuli was arrested after he was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.

Three taxi operators, namely Ndifelani Morris Matomela, Emmanuel Samuel Vukeya, and Bonginkosi Mishack Sithole who were part of the Pretoria, Randburg, Soshanguve (PRS) Taxi Association, were gunned down when hitmen opened fire on a still standing taxi in Wierdabrug.

Later that same day, two taxi passengers were shot dead, while two bystanders were injured with one later succumbing to his injuries when the same group opened fire at a taxi rank.

“Luthuli confessed to the police that he was hired by the Alexandra Randburg Midrand Taxi Association (ARMSTA), to kill the deceased and in return receive a payment of R150 000 upon completion of the job,” says NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.

In court, Luthuli pleaded not guilty to the murder charges in court and denied committing the offences.

“The state was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt with evidence that Luthului was indeed a hitman hired by the ARMSTA to kill members of the PRS taxi association,” says Mahanjana.

During sentencing prosecutor Advocate Molatlhwa Mashuga told the court that Luthuli had no regard for the sanctity of the life of other human beings.

“He killed people without any provocation, simply for monetary gains. He showed no remorse for his actions. One of the victims is still suffering from the consequences of the shooting.”

The Pretoria High Court sentenced Luthuli to five life terms for five counts of murder, 20 years imprisonment for two counts of attempted murder, and 45 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a semi-automatic firearm, a fully automotive firearm as well as the possession of ammunition.

Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi welcomed the sentence and applauded investigating officer Sergeant Phuti Moloto who led the conviction.