Wentworth man jailed for road rage murder after fatal 2019 shooting
The accused is serving his sentence at Westville Prison.
A 35-year-old Wentworth man was sentenced to 12 years’ direct imprisonment for a 2019 road rage murder on Basil February Road, near the M4 Bridge.
The accused was on three counts: murder, handling a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, and being declared unfit to possess a firearm and ammunition.
The court suspended half of the 12- year murder sentence for five years, meaning the accused will serve an effective six years for murder.
He received an additional three years for handling a firearm while intoxicated. According to evidence led in court, the incident occurred on December 13, 2019, at about 6:30pm.
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The accused was driving in the Himalayas Road area when he became involved in an altercation with an e-hailing driver transporting passengers.
The dispute escalated into a shouting match on Basil February Road. Witnesses told the court that both drivers stopped and exited their vehicles before a physical fight broke out. During the altercation, the accused drew his personal firearm.
The e-hailing driver attempted to take cover behind a bridge pillar. A warning shot was fired into the ground, followed by a second shot that struck the driver.
SAPS officers on routine patrol nearby heard gunshots and responded immediately. They disarmed and arrested the accused at the scene. The firearm was seized.
The victim was taken to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound but was declared dead later that day.
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The case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Bhekithemba Manqoba Zulu of Wentworth SAPS. He collected witness statements and prepared witnesses for court.
The trial lasted several days before the guilty verdict was delivered. The accused is serving his sentence at Westville Prison.
