Western Cape SAPS management welcomes the judgement imposed on Siyabonga Dywili, Siphenathi Nglela and Lihle Plam who were sentenced on Tuesday, 15 April 2025 in the Bellville Regional court for their involvement in the murder of a member of a taxi association in Bellville.
On 8 June 2020, two unknown males brutally murdered and robbed a 62-year-old man of his firearm in broad daylight, while seated in his Toyota Hilux LDV in Charl Malan Street. They fled the scene in a Toyota Avanza which was parked close by. The local police members responded to the complaint and saw the mentioned vehicle driving at high speed in Voortrekker Road and gave chase. The suspects opened fire on the police members in pursuit, who retaliated. Three males were apprehended and detained on charges of murder, robbery with aggravated circumstances, attempted murder and the unlawful possession of two firearms and ammunition. The court ruled that the three suspects be remanded in custody for the duration of their trial.
The attack came as a result of ongoing tension between taxi associations about a route between Bellville and Paarl.
The investigating officer Lt Col Julian Tarentaal, simply stood his ground as a seasoned detective, calmly answering the questions posed at him. He was commended as a credible witness.
On Tuesday 15 April 2025, Siyabonga Dywili was sentenced to life imprisonment whilst Siphenati Nglela and Lihle Plam were sentenced to an effective 18 years behind bars on the mentioned charges.
Western Cape acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Albert Maqhashalala commended the efforts of Lt Col Julian Tarentaal who worked diligently to prepare this case docket and did everything within his power to solve the matter.
