A Scottburgh Regional Court has sentenced 31‑year‑old Goodman Bhekisisa Ngwane to life imprisonment after he was convicted of murdering a 13‑year‑old girl on the KwaZulu‑Natal South Coast. The killing, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said, happened after a dispute over a taxi fare.
The incident occurred on 5 May 2024 when the teenager, her mother and other children were travelling to Pennington. Ngwane had offered them a lift; they agreed to pay him on arrival. According to the NPA, the family attempted to withdraw cash at an ATM but the machine was not working. An argument followed and, when the group began to walk away, Ngwane pursued them in his vehicle.
Prosecutors say Ngwane struck the child with his vehicle, then deliberately ran over her with both tyres. The teenager died at the scene. The matter was reported to the police and Ngwane was arrested the following day in the Malangeni area, the NPA said.
“The deceased and the others then began walking away, but Ngwane followed them in his vehicle, demanding that they return to the vehicle. They refused and attempted to flee,”
The State led testimony from the girl’s mother, who witnessed the incident, and an independent eyewitness. During the trial, the mother also detailed to the court the lasting psychological and economic effects of her daughter’s death, including an inability to work because of trauma.
Court process and sentence
The matter was heard at Scottburgh Regional Court, where State Prosecutor Active Njakazi presented the case. Ngwane was convicted of murder and on 13 August 2026 received a life sentence. The NPA described the verdict as a successful prosecution in a case that captured community attention.
Below is a concise timeline of the key events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 5 May 2024 | Incident in Pennington: 13‑year‑old struck and fatally run over |
| 6 May 2024 | Ngwane arrested in Malangeni area |
| 13 August 2026 | Conviction and life sentence at Scottburgh Regional Court |
Local impact and context
The brutal nature of the killing has resonated across the South Coast, where tensions in taxi-related disputes occasionally spill into violence. Families and community leaders have frequently called for improved regulation of informal transport operators and better mechanisms to resolve fare disputes without confrontation.
- Police action: The matter was reported immediately and resulted in a prompt arrest the next day.
- Prosecution: The State presented eyewitness testimony and victim impact evidence during the trial.
- Sentence: Life imprisonment for the convicted driver.
Survivors and relatives of violent crime frequently face long-term trauma as well as financial hardship. In this trial the victim’s mother testified to the profound effect her daughter’s death has had on her life and ability to work — testimony the court considered when assessing the full impact of the offence.
What this means for residents
For communities along the South Coast, the case underlines the consequences of escalated disputes and the importance of reporting violent incidents to SAPS. It also highlights the role of the criminal justice system in securing convictions where evidence and witness testimony are available.
The NPA’s public statements in the aftermath of the sentencing stressed the seriousness with which the State treats offences against children and the need for accountability when violence is used to resolve minor disputes. Local authorities and taxi associations may face renewed pressure to strengthen conflict‑resolution measures and passenger safety protocols.
The community continues to mourn the loss of a child and to seek ways to prevent similar tragedies in future.
