Cape Town - The unlicensed driver who was behind the wheel of a taxi that caused the death of two little sisters will soon know his fate.
Likhona Mgidi appeared briefly in Mitchells Plain Regional Court yesterday.
The 23-year-old was found guilty on two counts of culpable homicide last week, after he admitted to driving at an excessive speed and jumping a red robot, slamming the loaded Quantum taxi into the Opel Corsa car carrying little Nurah, 2, and Nishaat Thomas, 6.
The children were with their dad and the family was metres away from their house on the corner of Merrydale Avenue and Wespoort Drive in Portlands, Mitchells Plain, when the crash occurred.
Mgidi contested the allegation that he had stolen the taxi on the day of the accident, resulting in the State calling its witness, Adam Mdeni, to the stand.
According to Mdeni, Mgidi was his gaardtjie (sliding door operator) for the day.
When he went to urinate while waiting for his taxi to fill, he alleged Mgidi jumped behind the wheel and drove off with his taxi.
Mdeni said he was later informed the taxi had been involved in the serious crash.
He told the court that Mgidi did not want to speak about the accident when he picked the then 22-year-old up from the police station.
Mdeni was grilled by Mgidi’s legal representative, who wanted to know why Mdeni didn't go after the taxi when he knew Mgidi stole the taxi.
The taxi driver explained he knew Mgidi and knew where he lived.
Mdeni admitted to allowing Mgidi to drive his personal car regularly, to which the defence wanted to know why, if he knew Mgidi did not possess a valid drivers licence.
Mdeni said it was because money needed to be made.
The case was postponed to next week Monday for closing arguments and for the court to deliver its judgment on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and driving without a licence. The girls’ mom, Raihaana Thomas, said they are more than happy that the case is finally at an end.
“This case has really taken a toll on all of my family and friends that were with us at every court date.
“Our lives were at a standstill with this case, constantly having to look at him.
“Now we can mourn in peace after all this time.”