Life Sentence for KwaBhaca Cab Driver Murderer: Mazwi Faces Multiple Charges After Brutal Attack

In a chilling case of violence and robbery, Someleze “Somie” Mazwi (24) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Mthatha, for the brutal murder of a KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere) taxi driver. Mazwi was also handed additional sentences for multiple crimes, including 10 years for kidnapping, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 20 years for attempted murder, and 8 years for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. All sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence.

The shocking events leading to Mazwi’s conviction unfolded on July 9, 2023, when the deceased driver and his associate were called to transport two men, known to them through a local hair salon operator. After picking up the passengers, the driver was instructed to turn off the main road and onto a gravel path. When he refused, Mazwi shot the associate in the neck, seized control of the vehicle, and forced the driver to continue towards Qumbu.

Near the town, Mazwi and his accomplice dragged the victims out of the car, shot them several times, and left them for dead. Miraculously, the associate survived the vicious attack, despite being gravely injured. He managed to find help and, in a remarkable turn of events, was able to inform the police of the involvement of the salon operator. During an identity parade, he positively identified Mazwi as one of the attackers.

The case took another mysterious turn when both the salon operator and Mazwi’s accomplice were found shot and killed before the trial even began. In his defense, Mazwi denied any connection to the salon operator or the events of that fateful day. However, the prosecution, led by State Advocate Chumile Mkentane, presented compelling evidence, including eyewitness testimony and police findings. Investigators revealed that Mazwi had arranged for the hijacked vehicle to be operated as a taxi in KwaZulu-Natal.

The sentence was hailed as a significant victory for justice by Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Barry Madolo, who emphasized the importance of protecting human life. “The NPA will continue to pursue such cases with vigour to send a strong message and deter would-be murderers,” he said, underscoring the gravity of the crime and the justice served.