THREE taxi bosses who master-minded a spate of attacks on Golden Arrow buses were sentenced to three terms of life imprisonment each in the Cape High Court, SABC television news reported on Thursday.
Lindikhaya Futwa, Dumisani Ntutyu and Vusumzi Miselo were convicted on charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of illegal firearms.
According to Bandile Botya, a hitman who is already serving three terms of life imprisonment, the trio hired and transported him to ambush the Golden Arrow buses about two years ago.
Three people were killed and several were seriously wounded in the ambush.
The three men have also been sentenced to 70 years for the charges of attempted murder, and 15 years for being in possession of illegal firearms.
The sentences will run concurrently.
Pronouncing sentence, Judge Braam Lategan said they committed serious offences and shot indiscriminately at innocent workers and drivers. For the families who lost their breadwinners it was a moment of relief. They said the sentence will teach the perpetrators a good lesson.
The defence has been granted leave to appeal against the conviction.
Lawyer Reuben Liddel, said that they will wait for the appeal date and prepare their papers for it. The three will remain in custody until the appeal rules otherwise, the report said. – Sapa