Taxi driver killing: guilty plea explanation rejected

THE man who employed jikeleza driver Kosie Chiga, 52, who was murdered in Humansdorp in 2011, told the Port Elizabeth High Court yesterday he was popular and well-liked.

Johnny Swarts was testifying at the trial of Deveron Whitebooi, 27, and Dial Kettledas, 53, who are charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, robbery with aggravating circumstances and the kidnapping and murder of Chiga on November 24 2011.

While Whitebooi yesterday pleaded guilty to the charges and offered a plea explanation regarding how he had murdered Chiga, deputy director of public prosecutions Advocate Hannelie Bakker – appearing on behalf of the state – rejected the plea explanation on a factual basis.

Acting Judge Richard Brooks and his two assessors then admitted a plea of not guilty from both Whitebooi and Kettledas. - Lee-Anne Butler