Taxi boss murder case postponed
The magistrate presiding over the case said Mr Khumalo was shot execution style. She denied bail as the video footage clearly showed Mr Buthelezi firing several shots at the victim.
Two alleged killers made their third appearance in Madadeni Magistrate’s Court on August 28.
The accused, Jabulani Buthelezi and Thabani Sithole, were linked in the murder of taxi boss, Khuzimpi Khumalo.
Mr Khumalo was gunned down at his home in Madadeni Section 5 on May 6. Reports suggest he sustained 11 gunshot wounds.
The suspects were arrested at a taxi rank in Nongoma on July 23, after evading arrest for months. Law enforcement officers accompanied by the Hawks, used the surveillance footage obtained from Mr Khumalo’s residence to assist in identifying the suspects.
Witnesses will apparently testify that Mr Sithole was seen in the driver’s seat of the getaway vehicle when they fled the scene of the crime.
Investigating officers claimed sufficient evidence had been collected to implicate the accused to the crime. Furthermore, it was stated Mr Sithole and Mr Buthelezi conspired to kill Mr Khumalo.
The magistrate presiding over the case said Mr Khumalo was shot execution style. She denied bail as the video footage clearly showed Mr Buthelezi firing several shots at the victim.
“The State’s case comprises a number of elements: Video footage shows applicant number one [Buthelezi] shooting at the deceased,” Magistrate, Vernita Mundell stated previously.
The accused will be imprisoned for life should the evidence prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The likely consequence of a conviction is that the applicants would face potential life imprisonment, given the nature of the offence. That in itself serves as an inducement to evade trial,”
Th perpetrators will remain in police custody pending a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The case has since been postponed to September 11.
