Hitman sentenced after spraying bullets in Centurion, leaving multiple dead in 2019
The 36-year-old hitman left six people dead after they were surrounded by a hail of gunfire in two different gruesome attacks in one day for a promised payment of R150 000 upon completion of the job.
A 36-year-old hitman will serve lengthy jail time for killing long-distance taxi operators and bystanders in Centurion.
The Pretoria High Court sentenced Mjabuliseni Linda 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.
According to the NPA, Luthuli was ordered to murder taxi operators and bystanders for payment of R150 000.
NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Luthuli was sentenced recently after serving three years in prison while awaiting trial.
On December 2, 2019, three armed men (including Luthuli), exited a white Mercedes Benz sedan and started shooting at a taxi parked on a road in Wierdabrug.
The multiple shots killed three taxi operators, namely Ndifelani Morris Matomela, Emmanuel Samuel Vukeya, and Bonginkosi Mishack Sithole.
The three taxi operators were part of the Pretoria, Randburg, Soshanguve (PRS) Taxi Association.
Mahanjana said afterwards the armed men drove off to the Olievenhoutbosch taxi rank where they also fired at passengers.
This time Luthuli and his gang were, however, met with gunfire.
Two passengers were shot dead while two other bystanders were injured and one later succumbed to their injuries.
Mahanjana said Luthuli was arrested in a hospital on the same day after he was admitted for gunshot wounds.
“He 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,” said Mahanjana.
Mahanjana said 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 and evidence that Luthului was indeed a hitman hired by the ARMSTA to kill members of the PRS taxi association,” said Mahanjana.
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 but simply for monetary gains.
“Luthuli committed serious offences and showed no remorse for his actions. One of the victims is still suffering from the consequences of the shooting.”
Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi welcomed the sentence and applauded investigating officer Sergeant Phuti Moloto who led the conviction.
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