Suspect’s car in mall killings link

Zondi says he was with his girlfriend

The getaway car used by alleged assassins in the Mall of Africa killing of two taxi bosses matches the description of the car owned by the man accused in the murders.

Yesterday, the South Gauteng High Court heard that Zwelithini Zondi’s car matched that used in the killings last year.

Zondi, a member of Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA), is accused of killing taxi bosses Lungisani Hlongwane and Terris Yingwani.

During cross-examination by prosecutor Mahlubi Ntlakaza yesterday, Zondi confirmed that he owned a VW Polo hatchback.

“Yes, I own a white Polo [hatchback]. [But] initially when I spoke to the investigating officer I told him they can confirm my whereabouts easily with a tracker... My car has a tracker fitted on it...” said Zondi.

Zondi insisted that he was innocent, advancing evidence that he was with his girlfriend at the time of the killings.

He said his girlfriend, Mbali Sithole, had visited him for the

‘‘ They can confirm my whereabouts easily with a tracker

weekend. “We were at home relaxing. She was doing laundry and I was watching TV.

“I left [my house] in the morning to buy bread and again at about 8.30pm I went to the garage to collect money,” Zondi said.

Zondi also denied that he visited the Mall of Africa on April 27 last year, where he allegedly threatened the slain bosses and witnesses.

“I was warned not to go to the Mall of Africa by my chairman from ATA.

He said we should not go back until we have resolved the issues,” he said.

He did, however, admit there was a route dispute between ATA and Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand and Sandton Taxi Association.

ATA member Mbongeleni Mvelase said: “We were told to stop working at that area because there was a fight.”