LIFE SENTENCE PLUS 53 YEARS FOR MURDER AND ROBBERY OF A CAB DRIVER

08 September 2025

LIFE SENTENCE PLUS 53 YEARS FOR MURDER AND ROBBERY OF A CAB DRIVER

The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Mthatha, has sentenced Someleze “Somie” Mazwi (24) to life imprisonment for the murder of a KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere) cab driver. In addition, Mazwi received 10 years for each of the two counts of kidnapping,15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances,20 years for attempted murder, and 8 years for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The court ordered these sentences to run concurrently with the life sentence.

The convictions stem from events that unfolded on 09 July 2023. On that day, the deceased cab driver and his associate responded to a request from a local hair salon operator, known to them, to transport two men to their homes in KwaBhaca. The salon operator remained behind, while the cab operators drove off with the passengers.

During the journey, the passengers instructed the driver to turn onto a gravel road. When he refused, Mazwi shot the associate in the neck and forced the driver out of the steering wheel. Mazwi and his accomplice then drove towards Qumbu. Near the town, they pulled both victims out of the vehicle, shot them multiple times, and left them for dead. Miraculously, the associate survived despite his injuries. He managed to find help and later informed the police about the salon operator’s involvement. He also positively identified Mazwi during an identity parade. Before the case went to trial, both the salon operator and Mazwi’s accomplice were mysteriously shot and killed.

During the trial, Mazwi denied knowing the salon operator or being present at his salon on the day of the crime. However, State Advocate Chumile Mkentane led compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimony from people who saw the accused being picked up by the cab, as well as evidence from investigators who revealed that Mazwi had arranged for the hijacked vehicle to be operated as his cab in KwaZulu-Natal.

Welcoming the judgment, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Barry Madolo said, “It can never be overemphasised how important human life is. The NPA will continue to pursue such cases with vigour to send a strong message and deter would-be murderers.”

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za