Gauteng taxi violence detectives secures life imprisonment for two Atteridgeville ‘hitmen’

Addressing the proliferation of serious and violent crime remains a top priority for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng which is evident in the successes achieved by detectives in courts across the province.

On Thursday, 7 September 2023, the Pretoria High Court sentenced Isaac Gabangaye Sikhakhane (39) to one life term and 25 years’ imprisonment and Nkosinathi Hadebe (35) to two life terms and 15 years’ imprisonment for multiple charges that include murder, attempted murder, malicious damage to property as well as possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The duo was successfully linked to a series of taxi violence related incidents committed around Atteridgeville and Vosloorus between 2019 and 2021. Sikhakhane was arrested in June 2021 followed by Hadebe in September that same year. Sikhankhane and Hadebe were both taxi owners who operated without permits around Atteridgeville; they attacked and murdered taxi operators who wanted to oust the duo.

The case was assigned to Sergeant Ziphozonke Ndima, a detective attached to Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations (SVCI): Taxi Violence Unit. He was assisted by Sergeant Kenneth Maluleke and Sergeant Lovedelia Hlungwani.

The team gained the trust of key witnesses and ensured they attend court proceedings which resulted in a solid case against the accused. Ndima strives for service excellence and has three Certificates of Commendation under his belt which were awarded by the National Commissioner in 2018, 2020 and 2022 respectively.

Nkosinathi Hadebe is also linked to the murder of a taxi owner in Limpopo who had ran away from Atteridgeville for safety. Hadebe is set to appear before Morebeng Court in Limpopo on 19 September 2023.

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