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KZN taxi driver jailed for life after he ran down 13‑year‑old over fare dispute
Goodman Ngwane was sentenced to life after running down a 13‑year‑old in Pennington during a taxi fare dispute; the child died at the scene and he was arrested the next day.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed a life sentence handed down to a man convicted of killing a 13‑year‑old girl on the KwaZulu‑Natal South Coast after an argument over a taxi fare.
What happened
The court heard that the incident occurred on 05 May 2024 in Pennington. Goodman Bhekisisa Ngwane had offered a lift to the girl, her mother and other children and they agreed to pay him a fee for the trip.
After arriving in Pennington the group went to an ATM to withdraw the money, but the machine was not working and the mother could not withdraw cash. When the family explained this, an argument broke out between Ngwane and the girl’s mother.
According to NPA spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson‑Kara, the family began walking away and Ngwane followed them in his vehicle, demanding they return. When they refused and attempted to flee, Ngwane pursued them, struck the child with his vehicle and, after knocking her to the ground, drove over her with both tyres, causing fatal injuries. The child died at the scene.
Arrest, trial and sentence
The incident was reported to police and Ngwane was arrested the following day in the Malangeni area. He appeared in Scottburgh Regional Court on 13 August 2026.
During the trial, State Prosecutor Active Njakazi led testimony from the victim’s mother, who witnessed the killing, and from another eyewitness. The mother also addressed the court about the ongoing trauma she suffers and said the psychological impact affected her ability to work, resulting in the loss of her employment.
Ngwane was sentenced to life imprisonment and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
NPA response
The NPA commended the prosecutor, the South African Police Service and other role players for securing conviction and sentence.
“This sentence demonstrates that those who commit violent crimes against vulnerable members of society, particularly children, will be held accountable,”
Ramkisson‑Kara said.
Case facts at a glance
- Victim: 13‑year‑old girl
- Date of incident: 05 May 2024
- Location: Pennington, KwaZulu‑Natal South Coast
- Accused and sentenced: Goodman Bhekisisa Ngwane
- Court appearance: Scottburgh Regional Court, 13 August 2026
- Sentence: Life imprisonment; declared unfit to possess a firearm
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Source: citizen.co.za
