×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

High security when escaped hitman’s co-accused return to court

There was heightened security at Johannesburg’s Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Thursday as sentencing proceedings started in a case involving a convicted hitman who made a brazen escape from the same court earlier this week.

Kagiso Ledwaba (28) was due to be sentenced for the assassination of German supercar dealer Uwe Gemballa today‚ alongside two co-accused.

 Ledwaba’s escape on Monday came when he was in court for another criminal case relating to his alleged involvement in a cash-in-transit heist. He held up and disarmed the cell commander of his gun in the holding cells before escaping into a waiting car outside court.

Although he is still on the run‚ sentencing proceedings began against his two co-accused‚ Thabo Mohapi and Garlond Holworthy. Another man‚ Thabiso Melvin Mpye‚ 29‚ was convicted and sentenced to 20 years by the Johannesburg high court in a plea agreement.

Members of the Correctional Services’ Emergency Support Team‚ along with other prison officers and police officers were stationed around the court and in the passageway outside.

Of the two men‚ only Mohapi chose to testify today‚ maintaining that he was innocent.

 “I am sorry Mr Gemballa had to come here and die in South Africa‚” he said‚ adding that he hoped the real killer would be brought to book.

Sentencing will continue tomorrow.

 Gemballa’s kidnapping and subsequent murder occurred in 2010 shortly after he arrived at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. He was found in a shallow grave in Atteridgeville outside Pretoria‚ wrapped in duct-taped black bags. He was suffocated after his mouth was taped shut and the air forced out his lungs.

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.