Mdantsane man gets additional 42 years behind bars for murdering three 17-year-old learners in revenge-fuelled shooting
By Lonwabo Zenani
29 October 2026
MDANTSANE — Three teenage learners who should have been celebrating the completion of their examinations instead became victims of a horrific revenge attack. Now, the man responsible for their deaths will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Siphelele Jako, 38, has been sentenced to three life terms in prison, plus an additional 42 years, for the murders of Somila Soso and twins Ume and Likuye Ndambiyane, all aged 17.
The Bhisho High Court handed down the sentence after finding Jako responsible for the November 2023 killings, which shocked the Mdantsane community.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Eastern Cape, the deadly shooting was allegedly motivated by revenge following a road-rage confrontation earlier that day.
ROAD-RAGE DISPUTE ENDED IN TRAGEDY
The court heard that Jako, a taxi operator, had allegedly been driving under the influence of alcohol while transporting a woman home when he drove into oncoming traffic.
A confrontation followed between Jako and another motorist, who lived at the same property as the teenage learners.
Although the argument was eventually broken up, the situation took a terrifying turn when Jako allegedly returned to the woman’s home with another man and demanded that she show him where the other motorist lived.
When she refused, Jako allegedly pointed a firearm at her and forced her into his vehicle.
The pair then travelled to the property where the students were staying.
Jako allegedly jumped over the fence and approached the learners’ rented room. When the teenagers opened the door and realised he was armed, they tried to shut it.
But he forced his way inside and opened fire.
The three teenagers were killed in the attack.
SURVIVOR ESCAPED WITH BULLET NEAR SPINE
One learner survived the horrific shooting despite suffering a gunshot wound that left a bullet lodged close to his spine.
Despite his injuries, the survivor managed to escape and alert the landlord, helping bring the deadly incident to light.
Jako was arrested the following day and subsequently abandoned his bail application.
He pleaded not guilty during the trial.
Senior State Advocate Nkululeko Mzinyathi presented evidence from the surviving learner, the woman who had been kidnapped and the motorist involved in the earlier road-rage confrontation.
The witnesses received preparation assistance from Court Preparation Officer Sandisiwe Moyakhe.
The NPA also confirmed that the man who had accompanied Jako was charged in connection with the matter but was ultimately acquitted. However, his evidence helped place Jako at the scene.
JUDGE SLAMS CRUEL AND COWARDLY KILLINGS
Acting Judge Noluvo Mhlana agreed with the State that the murders were premeditated and highlighted Jako’s apparent lack of remorse.
“Their lives were cut short by the cruel and cowardly conduct of the accused,” the judge said.
The court heard that the victims had been shot more than once in the chest and head, underscoring the brutality of the attack.
For the families of the three teenagers, the sentence brings a significant development in the pursuit of justice following the devastating loss of their loved ones.
ADDITIONAL 42 YEARS FOR OTHER CRIMES
In addition to the three life sentences, Jako received further prison terms for several offences linked to the incident.
These included:
- 15 years for attempted murder.
- Five years for housebreaking with intent to commit murder.
- Five years for illegal possession of a firearm.
- Three years for unlawful possession of ammunition.
- Three years for pointing a firearm.
- Three years for discharging a firearm in a built-up area.
- Three years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- Five years for kidnapping.
The court also heard that Jako had a previous conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, for which he had received a suspended five-year sentence.
NPA SENDS STRONG WARNING TO VIOLENT CRIMINALS
Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Samkelo Mtwana praised Senior State Advocate Mzinyathi and investigating officer Sergeant Anele Mdodana for their work in securing the conviction and sentence.
Mtwana said the sentence sent a clear message that perpetrators of planned violence would face the full might of the law.
He reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to prosecuting violent crime and illegal firearm offences, emphasising the importance of pursuing justice for victims and building safer communities.
The case serves as a grim reminder of how a dispute can escalate into devastating violence, leaving families grieving and communities traumatised.
Three teenagers lost their lives in a senseless act of violence. Their future was stolen, but the court has delivered its judgment: those responsible for such crimes must face the consequences of their actions.
