Taxi Driver sentenced to 40 years in jail

Thembalethu Regional Court in George has sent a stern warning to taxi drivers and anyone who thinks of attacking a police official. This after it has sentenced a taxi driver to an effective 40 years in jail.

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POLICE SHOOTOUT

In August 2020, the suspect, Bonginkosi Ndevu,31, was pulled over by three female traffic officers for reckless driving along the N2 Highway near Pacaltsdorp in George. While the officers were approaching the vehicle, the driver got out of his vehicle and fired at the officers, injuring one and disarming her.

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Ndevu fled the scene but was soon apprehended along the highway but not before a shootout with police ensued. The suspect and a police officer were injured during the shootout. Upon his arrest, police confiscated two firearms.

SENTENCING

Ndevu was sentenced to an effective 40 years imprisonment. Five years imprisonment for attempted murder on the traffic official, 15 years for robbery, five years for attempted murder for the attack of police officials, and a combined 15 years sentence for two counts of pointing of firearm as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

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“This lengthy incarceration should serve as deterrent for those threatening the stability of the transport industry as well as safety of law enforcement officials. The safety of road users remains key to the policing approach of the Province”, says Western Cape Police Spokesperson Christopher Spies.

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