Polokwane – A Ladysmith man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for multiple crimes linked to ongoing taxi violence in Botlokwa and Makhado, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Wednesday.
Nkosinathi Sga Hadebe (34) appeared in the Polokwane High Court, where he was convicted of two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition.
The court ordered that sentences for Counts 2 to 7 run concurrently with the 25-year sentence for the first murder, resulting in an effective prison term of 25 years.
Hadebe was declared unfit to possess firearms following his convictions.
The first murder involved the fatal shooting of Edward Mosiamo (31), a taxi owner, on 26 July 2018 near the Botlokwa Shopping Complex.
The second murder saw the death of Makhado taxi boss Samuel Tshifhanga (63) on 4 February 2020, while his wife sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
Due to the complexity of the cases, they were transferred to the Provincial Office in 2021 and investigated by Detective Sergeant Noko Mashitisho.
The accused was apprehended on 1 September 2022 at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court during proceedings for another taxi-related murder. His bail application was opposed and denied by Sergeant Mashitisho.
Hadebe later entered into a plea agreement through his legal representative, culminating in the convictions and sentencing delivered this week.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the law enforcement teams involved, saying: “This sentence sends a clear message that taxi violence will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full might of the law.”
The convictions mark a significant step in addressing persistent taxi-related violence in Limpopo, a long-standing challenge for communities and authorities alike.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
