Convicted hitman gets life in prison

By Anele Siwa
13 December 2007

Lungisani Stwayi (35) from Willowvale was found guilty in the Cape High Court of murder, attempted murder and possession of firearms and ammunitionon and sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday .

“This is a direct result of an excellent investigation by Detective Inspector Riaan Kielblock of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit,” says police spokesperson Captain Eliot Sinyangana.

According to Sinyangana, this dates back to the 14 June 2005 at approximately 4PM when a minibus taxi was parked at Brackenfell station waiting on passengers. Two unknown gunmen hijacked the taxi and fired shots, seriously wounding the driver, 44-year-old Caswell Mazitshana of Khayelitsha.

“A 36-year-old male passenger who survived the attack sustained serious wounds in the back, neck and head and survived his injuries,” he added.

Sinyangana says the gunmen fled in a stolen Ford Escort which was found later in Kraaifontein.

“After (the) investigation it became apparent that a hitman from the Eastern Cape was hired to do the shooting during the alleged ongoing taxi war in Cape Town,” says Sinyangana.

According to Sinyangana this hitman was paid R 50 000 for the shooting.

“This is a commandable effort by the investigating officer and once more, million thanks to the public for their continued support towards us during our investigation,” he added.