Man faces full might of the law for murdering metered taxi driver
In aggravation of the sentence, Magwaza handed in a victim impact statement compiled by Jili’s mother and facilitated by court preparation officer, Mbalenhle Komane.
The Pietermaritzburg High Court sentenced Sihle Sandile Myaka, to life and 45 years imprisonment following his conviction on charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The charges relate to the murder and robbery of metered taxi driver, Nkululeko Freedom Jili, in April 2021. He operated a metered taxi on behalf of his employer, and sometime before the incident, Myaka decided to rob him (Jili) of that vehicle.
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Realising that he might need force to carry out his plan, Myaka acquired a firearm to this end. On the night of April 29, 2021, Jili was operating the metered tax when he was lured to the Copesville area, by Myaka. When Jili reached the area, he was robbed of the motor vehicle and was shot and killed on the scene.
Even though Myaka fled thereafter, he was arrested a month later. Upon his arrest, a firearm linking him to Jili’s murder was found in his possession.
In the state’s case, Advocate Dan Magwaza led the evidence of the arresting officers, who arrested Myaka and ballistic reports linking Myaka’s firearm to the murder.
Since Myaka had sold the stolen vehicle to another person, Magwaza led the evidence of that person (the buyer) who said that he had bought the vehicle from Myaka.
In aggravation of the sentence, Magwaza handed in a victim impact statement compiled by Jili’s mother and facilitated by court preparation officer, Mbalenhle Komane.
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In her statement, the woman said that her son was a loving person, who supported his family. She said that the pain of losing him does not seem to subside as his death was unexpected.
Regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said, “Myaka was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years imprisonment each for the robbery with aggravating circumstances and firearm-related charges. He will serve an effective term of life imprisonment. The NPA applauds the successful prosecution, and we commend the work done by the prosecution and police. It is incumbent on us to fight for justice on behalf of the victims of crime.”
