Two taxi drivers appeared before Pinetown Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 16 March 2021 on charges of murder as well as malicious damage to property. Lizwi Shezi (36) and Sandile Khumalo (38) were granted bail of R2 000-00 each. The matter was adjourned to 21 April 2021.

It is alleged that on 13 February 2021, 26-year-old Sandile Handsome Majola who was an e-hailing driver was severely assaulted by the community of Tshelimnyama after being accused of transporting criminals who were committing robberies in the area. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. His vehicle was also set alight by the unruly crowd. Charges of murder and malicious damage to property were opened for investigation at Mariannhill SAPS.

Police officers from the Provincial Vehicle and Trio Task Team together with the investigating officer assigned to investigate the docket embarked on an operation on 15 March 2021 to trace the suspects involved in the case. Two suspects were arrested at the Pinetown Taxi Rank. The suspects aged 36 and 38 were placed under arrest and charged with murder as well as malicious damage to property.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal, Major General Thulani commended the team for the arrest of the suspects. “We are appealing to the community not to take the law into their own hands. All those who are involved in criminal activities must be reported to the police,” he said.

Source: South African Police Service