Two Port Elizabeth families who were left distraught after both their daughters were killed in a hit-and-run last January, were further devastated when the taxi driver responsible walked away as a free man.
The 19-year-old Micayla Victor and 21-year-old Celine De Ridder were killed last year when their car was hit by a taxi which jumped a red light in Kempston Road.
The young women were both employed in the Atlas Security control room and were on their way to work for a night shift when the fatal accident occurred.
The 29-year-old driver, Yibanathi Ndike, fled the scene but was arrested days later when he handed himself over to police.
On Wednesday he was sentenced to a fine of R12 000 or six years imprisonment on both culpable homicide charges. Half of the sentence was suspended to five years.
He was able to pay the fine but his driver's license was suspended for 12-months.
In November 2019, Ndike indicated that he would plead guilty on the charges against him but at the 11th hour, he changed his legal team.
When he was expected back in court in February this year, he failed to appear and a warrant of arrest was issued.
The trial was then further delayed due to Covid-19 and was finally wrapped up this week.
Ndike was out on warning throughout the trial.
