Taxi boss shot in head at close range – witness
Alleged killer fired more than 10 times
The man accused of killing two taxi bosses at the Mall of Africa in Midrand allegedly fired the fatal bullet at close range.
Yesterday, the South Gauteng High Court heard that alleged killer, Zwelithini Zondi, fired his final shot close to the head of Terris Yingwani after more than 10 shots were fired at Yingwani and another victim, Lungisani Hlongwane.
This was revealed by state witness Penny Shirinda at the start of Zondi’s trial.
“After the accused [Zondi] shot at us I ran into the mall. I then took a peep to see what was happening.
“The accused shook the deceased after he had fired at his head. He wanted to make sure he was dead,” Shirinda said.
The killings were the result of taxi wars over routes between Alexandra Taxi Association and AlexandraRandburg-Midrand-Sandton Taxi Association last year.
Zondi faces two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and a count of possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
Zondi, clad in a military jacket, sat calmly through the first day of his trial.
He denied all charges, claiming he was with his girlfriend Mbali Sithole at their Killarney home when the incident took place.
“A white [VW] Polo pulled up and a man came out asking for a taxi to Johannesburg.
“He then went back inside the Polo, when he returned he was with Zondi,” said the state witness.
The state has lined up at least 22 witnesses.