AK47 yielding murder suspects behind bars

On July 27, two suspects appeared before a Madadeni Court for the alleged murder of taxi boss, Khuzimpi Hanson Khumalo.

Taxi association members and drivers made their presence known as the culprits made their first appearance in court.

Mr Khumalo was gunned down at his home in Madadeni Section 5 on May 6; an incident apparently fuelled by the ongoing taxi war in Newcastle.

“It is alleged the deceased was attacked with a rifle and shot dead in his yard,” SAPS spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela told the Newcastle Advertiser at the time.

His body was riddled with bullet holes and 12 casings were found outside his home, with a further three cases found in his yard.

Sources confirmed Mr Khumalo had played a pivotal role in addressing the rift within the taxi industry.

“He was a good man, who was working to help everyone out. He was willing to compromise to make things better for all the taxi organisations in town,” claimed a source.

The suspects were arrested in Nongoma on July 23, after evading arrest for months. The family received word of the arrest on Saturday, July 25.

Mr Khumalo’s older brother, Frances Khumalo, said he was happy the suspects were behind bars. He commended police for apprehending the suspects, and believes the law will now run its course.

“I don’t want the suspects to get bail. I hope they rot in jail,” he concluded.

The suspects will appear before a Madadeni Court on August 5, where their bail application will be heard.