Tzaneen Taxi rank, photo for illustrative purposes only. Picture: Letaba Herald.
Matjawela Jeffrey Moagi, 38, a taxi owner from Lorraine village in Sekororo area was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 10 years for attempted murder, five years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and another year for theft, Letaba Herald reports.
His accomplices received sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years imprisonment by the Polokwane High Court last week.
The conviction and sentences followed the death of Moses Matsileng, 34, a member of the Oaks Taxi Association who was attacked with other members of his association.
Moagi’s accomplice, Sechube Shelenge, 28, who is a taxi queue marshal under Letaba taxi association from Loraine village, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for murder and a further 10 years for attempted murder while the second accomplice, Ishmael Shai, 33, who is also a queue marshal, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder.
The court heard that a group of taxi operators and owners including the three convicts, who are members of Letaba Taxi Association, went to Lorraine Village in Sekororo armed with an assortment of weapons including firearms and attacked members of the rival Oaks Taxi Association.
During the attack, Matsileng was killed and the attackers stole his cellphone and cash.
They further assaulted and attempted to kill several other people.
The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba commended members of the provincial tracking team for their dedication and commitment during investigations.
“All those people who are still perpetrating crimes related to taxi violence, are warned to refrain from such acts,” said General Ledwaba.
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