The Polokwane High Court in Limpopo has handed down lengthy prison sentences to a group of taxi drivers convicted of kidnapping, assault, and murder.
POLOKWANE TAXI DRIVERS’ VIGILANTE REVENGE TURNS DEADLY
The case involves the following:
- Sello Elliot Mabulane, 48
- Ernest Seletisha , 48
- Mokgadi Idah Ramachela, 39
- Thomas Gitsa Chauke, 50
- Simon Butana Kekana, 40
- Jacob Mohau Maepa, 36
- David Phuthi Manabile, 36
The seven taxi drivers stormed Ga-Chuene village on 24 October 2021, where they forcefully took two men, accusing them of stealing from Mabulane.
They took the victims to Polokwane Leshakeng, where they were stripped naked, beaten with pick handles, and had oil poured over their bodies.
In a horrifying twist, they were even forced to drink the oil.
The taxi drivers then told the men to run for their lives.
POLICE DISCOVER A BODY
The following day, on 25 October 2021, police found an unidentified man lying near a river close to the Seshego taxi rank at Buite and Devenish Streets.
His body was covered in bruises and oil.
He was declared dead at the scene.
Investigations later confirmed the deceased as Charles Mphahlele, one of the men kidnapped the day before.
DETERMINED DETECTIVE CRACKS THE CASE
The police assigned the case to Detective Warrant Officer Lesetja Donald Maleka of the Provincial Taxi Violence Unit.
Through tireless investigation, Maleka traced and arrested the taxi drivers from Polokwane, ensuring that none of those responsible escaped justice.
After several court appearances, the matter was transferred to the Polokwane High Court for trial.
On 22 October 2025, the court acquitted three of the accused, Chauke, Maepa, and Manabile, due to insufficient evidence.
However, it convicted the remaining four and sentenced them the next day, 23 October 2025.
POLOKWANE TAXI DRIVERS FACE EIGHTEEN YEARS BEHIND BARS
The court imposed the following:
- Six years for kidnapping (count one),
- Six years for the second count of kidnapping,
- Three years for assault GBH,
- And twelve years for murder.
Some sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 18-year imprisonment.
POLICE COMMISSIONER WELCOMES THE SENTENCE
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the outcome, praising the investigative team for its dedication.
She said the sentence sends a clear message that vigilantism has no place in society.
“This sentence will serve as a deterrent and a reminder that taking the law into your own hands will never be tolerated,” said Hadebe.
