Road rage turned deadly: Taxi driver jailed for murdering three learners - IOL

Siphelele Jako, 38, was sentenced to three life terms plus 42 years for his crimes.

An Eastern Cape taxi driver has been sentenced to three life terms for the murder of three high school learners in the Eastern Cape High Court sitting in Bhisho. 

Siphelele Jako, 38, was convicted on multiple charges stemming from the shooting of three high school learners in Mdantsane on November 19, 2023. 

The court heard Jako had a previous conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, for which he had received a suspended five-year sentence.

The three learners, Somila Soso and twins Ume and Likuye Ndambiyane, all aged 17, were relaxing with a friend after completing their examinations when they were attacked in a back room in NU1, Mdantsane.

The twins had rented the room to be closer to their respective schools, Buchule and Mzomhle High Schools. Their friend was also wounded in the attack.

The court heard that Jako murdered the three students in revenge following a road-rage altercation earlier that day. Jako, a taxi driver, had been driving while under the influence of alcohol and was transporting a woman to her home when he drove into oncoming traffic. A quarrel subsequently broke out between him and the driver of an oncoming vehicle. That driver happened to live at the same property where the learners were staying.

The altercation was broken up by the woman Jako had been transporting, after which he dropped her off at her home. Shortly thereafter, Jako returned to the woman's home accompanied by another man and demanded that she show them where the driver with whom he had earlier quarrelled lived. When she refused, Jako produced a firearm, pointed it at her and forced her into his vehicle.

Upon arriving at the property where the driver lived, Jako jumped over the fence and proceeded to the room occupied by the learners. When the teenagers opened the door and saw that he was armed, they immediately tried to close it. Jako forced the door open, entered the room, and opened fire. 

One of the teenagers managed to escape despite sustaining a gunshot wound, with a bullet lodged close to his spine, and reported the incident to the landlord.

Jako was arrested the following day and later abandoned his bail application. 

During the trial, he pleaded not guilty, but was convicted after the trial.

Senior State Prosecutor Advocate Nkululeko Mzinyathi led evidence from several witnesses, including the woman who was kidnapped and forced to point out the property, the survivor of the shooting, and the driver who had been involved in the earlier altercation with Jako. 

The man who accompanied Jako during his crimes and was also charged but was acquitted by the court. However, his evidence was crucial in placing Jako at the scene and securing his conviction.

The court sentenced Jako to life imprisonment on each of the three counts, 15 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder, five years’ imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to commit murder, five years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of a firearm, and five years’ imprisonment for the unlawful possession of ammunition. He was further sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for each count of discharging a firearm, pointing a firearm, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and five years’ imprisonment for kidnapping. 

He was subsequently sentenced to three life terms plus 42 years. 

While delivering the sentence, Acting Judge Noluvo Mhlana agreed with the State that Jako had shown no remorse in killing defenceless and vulnerable children who done him no wrong. 

“Their lives were cut short by the cruel and cowardly conduct of the accused. He shot them more than once in the chest and head, ensuring that they did not survive. He acted like an animal and does not deserve to live among society. He needs to be removed from society for a considerable period,” the judge said. 

Acting Judge Mhlana further agreed with the State that the murders were premeditated.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Eastern Cape, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, commended Senior State Advocate Mzinyathi and investigating officer Sergeant Anele Mdodana for the meticulous collection and presentation of evidence that secured the conviction and sentence.

“This sentence sends a clear message that those who commit planned acts of extreme violence and unlawfully take the lives of others will face the full might of the law. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting violent crime and offences involving illegal firearms to ensure justice for victims and safer communities,” said Advocate Mtwana said.