Lengthy jail terms for trio in Moletjie taxi owner murder case
The convictions follow a complex investigation that linked the accused to multiple violent crimes across Limpopo.
POLOKWANE – Three men linked to a criminal gang involved in violent taxi-related crimes have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms by the Polokwane High Court.
The sentences were handed down on Friday (5 June), following a case investigated by the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Investigation Unit.
According to police, the convictions stem from a fatal drive-by shooting in 2021 in which a Moletjie taxi owner was killed. A passenger travelling with the victim was injured but survived.
Police said intelligence gathered after the shooting led officers to a white Toyota Etios travelling on the N1 South near the Nyl Plaza toll gate. The vehicle was later confirmed to have been stolen in Pretoria.
The court sentenced:
- Phuti William Mehlape (40) to an effective 38 years’ imprisonment for two counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and conspiracy to commit murder.
- Matsiri Peter Mokgokong (52) to five years’ imprisonment for possession of explosives.
- Kgabo Johannes Moloto (45), described by police as a taxi boss affiliated with the Moletjie Taxi Association, to 15 years’ imprisonment for offences linked to the matter.
Police said investigations found that Moloto had arranged the assassination of the taxi owner and that Mehlape was among those who carried out the attack.
The investigation also linked members of the gang to two vehicle hijackings in the Matlala policing area and a business robbery in the Mankweng area during April 2021.
The matter was consolidated and assigned to Warrant Officer Victoria Mashego of the Provincial Tracking Team, who successfully opposed bail throughout the trial.
Police further revealed that Mehlape had been out on bail in another murder case at the time of the offences. He has since also been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a police officer attached to the Polokwane Police Station.
The accused were prosecuted on charges including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of explosives, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Limpopo provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentences, saying they demonstrate the criminal justice system’s commitment to tackling violent crime and improving public safety.
