Three men sentenced for taxi violence related murder

Three members of a criminal gang linked to violent taxi industry disputes have been handed lengthy prison sentences by the Polokwane High Court for murder, attempted murder, robbery, and other serious offences.

 

The sentences were imposed on Friday, 5 June 2026, following an investigation by the Limpopo SAPS Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Investigation Unit.

 

Phuti William Mehlape (40) received an effective 38-year prison sentence for two counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and conspiracy to commit murder.

 

Matsiri Peter Mokgokong (52) was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for possession of explosives.

 

Kgabo Johannes Moloto (45), a taxi boss affiliated with the Moletjie Taxi Association, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the crimes.

 

The convictions stem from the 2021 assassination of a Moletjie taxi owner who was gunned down in a drive-by shooting. A passenger travelling with the victim survived the attack with injuries.

 

Police later intercepted a stolen Toyota Etios linked to the murder on the N1 South near Mokopane, leading to the arrest of suspects and the discovery of explosives. Investigations revealed that Moloto had allegedly hired the killers, while Mehlape carried out the attack alongside two accomplices who have since died.

 

The gang was also connected to two vehicle hijackings in the Matlala area and an armed robbery at a liquor outlet in Mankweng.

 

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the convictions, describing them as a significant victory in the fight against organised crime and violence within the taxi industry.