- Life Imprisonment for Murder and Multiple Sentences for Serious Crimes: The High Court sentenced Someleze ‘Somie’ Mazwi to life imprisonment for murder, along with additional sentences for kidnapping, robbery, attempted murder, and firearm possession, all to run concurrently.
- Details of the Violent Incident Leading to the Case: The crime involved Mazwi hijacking a vehicle after shooting one associate and forcing victims out near Qumbu, where the driver was killed and an associate survived and identified Mazwi.
- Suspicious Deaths of Accomplice and Salon Operator: Prior to the trial, Mazwi’s accomplice and the salon operator were shot dead under suspicious circumstances, complicating the case.
The High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division in Mthatha, has sentenced 24-year-old Someleze “Somie” Mazwi to life imprisonment for the murder of a KwaBhaca cab driver. In addition, Mazwi received 10 years each for 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. All sentences will run concurrently with the life term.
The case stems from a violent incident on 9 July 2023. A local hair salon operator arranged transport for two men through the victims, who were cab drivers from KwaBhaca. During the trip, Mazwi shot one of the associates in the neck before taking control of the vehicle. The victims were later forced out near Qumbu, where they were shot multiple times. The driver died at the scene, while the associate miraculously survived and later identified Mazwi.
Before the trial began, both Mazwi’s accomplice and the salon operator were shot dead under suspicious circumstances. Despite his denial of involvement, evidence presented by State Advocate Chumile Mkentane included eyewitness accounts and proof that Mazwi had arranged for the hijacked cab to operate in KwaZulu-Natal.
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Barry Madolo, welcomed the ruling, stressing the importance of protecting human life and the NPA’s commitment to bringing murderers to justice.
