MOKOPANE – The Mopane Regional Court has sentenced a 33-year-old taxi driver, Collins Ledwaba, to 18 years behind bars after a violent incident that left one man dead and four others seriously injured during a clash between taxi operators.

According to testimony, the incident occurred on October 29, 2021, at around 10:10 at the Moshate crossing during a confrontation between maxi taxi drivers and other local taxi operators.

You might also want to read: Suspected taxi violence leaves three dead in Musina

In the midst of the chaos, Ledwaba intentionally drove his taxi into a group of people, killing Nini Joseph Movundlela at the scene.

The four other victims sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a local hospital.

Police were called to the scene and opened a case of murder and four counts of attempted murder. Ledwaba was arrested later that same day.

Thanks to the investigative work of Det Sgt Price Baloyi from the Mahwelereng investigating unit, the case was successfully brought to trial.

You might also want to read: Two men linked to Seshego taxi violence incident in court

The court sentenced Ledwaba to 15 years for murder and three years for each of the four attempted murder charges.

The sentences will run concurrently, meaning Ledwaba will serve an effective 18 years in prison.

Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe welcomed the outcome, saying she applauds the efforts of the investigating officer and all who contributed to bringing the accused to justice.

“This sentence sends a message that acts of violence, especially those stemming from taxi-related disputes, will not be tolerated,” Hadebe said.