Five Members of Taxi Association was Sentenced harshly by the Court for assaulting a Female Passenger.The Bethal Magistrate’s Court has handed down sentences to five taxi patrollers affiliated with the Bethal Taxi Association after they pleaded guilty to charges of assault and malicious injury to property.
The case, which attracted public attention after video footage circulated widely on social media, relates to incidents that occurred in December 2025. The court’s ruling brings closure to a matter that sparked concern within the local community about public safety and conduct at taxi ranks.
Details of the Sentencing
The five accused appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court where they formally admitted guilt to three counts of assault and malicious damage to property. The convicted individuals and their respective sentences are as follows:
- Philip Isaiah Mhlangu (57) was fined R10,000 or six months’ imprisonment, with half of the sentence suspended for five years.
- Peter Mandla Mhlanga (45) was fined R6,000 or four months’ imprisonment, half of which is suspended for five years.
- Machawe Samuel Mdluli (26) received a R4,000 fine or three months’ imprisonment, with half suspended.
- Selby Wiseman Mtshweni (47) was fined R10,000 or six months’ imprisonment, half suspended for five years.
- Tonono Patric Makhubedu (40) was fined R6,000 or four months’ imprisonment, with half suspended for five years.
The suspended portions of the sentences mean that the accused will not serve that part of the punishment unless they commit a similar offence within the suspension period.
What Led to the Arrests?
The offences took place on 12 December 2025 in Bethal, Mpumalanga.
According to court proceedings, the first incident involved a woman who was attempting to hitchhike. She was reportedly approached by the taxi patrollers, who informed her that hitchhiking was not permitted and instructed her to return to the taxi rank.
When the woman explained that she was running late and needed transport urgently, the situation escalated. During the confrontation, she was assaulted and her cellphone was damaged.
Shortly afterwards, a second incident occurred involving a mother and her 14-year-old daughter. The pair had reportedly been waiting at the taxi rank for an extended period and observed that taxis were not moving. They then attempted to hitchhike.
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