Mthuthuzeli Sogoni (53) and Ncebenkosi Sikrenya (47) have been arrested for contravening Cybercrimes Act, following the dissemination of a threatening video messages that incited violence ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The accused were convicted and sentenced by the Mthatha Regional Court on 06 November 2025.
The conviction emanated from an incident occurred on 26 May 2024, when Sogoni and Sikrenya circulated a video on WhatsApp threatening to disrupt the general elections within the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipal region.
In the video, they demanded the release of firearms belonging to the Border Taxi Alliance (BATA), which had been seized by police for ballistic testing. The duo further threatened that taxi operations would be halted, that motorists would travel at their own risk, and that no election campaigns or work activities would take place in areas under BATA’s control.
The duo further accused the police of being bias and alleged collusion with the Ncedo Taxi Association, claiming that the police were “captured” and favoured rival operators. The accused concluded by warning that violence should be expected on election day.
The video went viral and had severe consequences for public order and safety. On 27 May 2024, Mthatha descended into chaos as major roads were barricaded, trucks were hijacked and used as roadblocks, and police vehicles were stoned.
Several trucks were looted, and the town’s economy was temporarily paralysed, leading to the postponement of special votes in the area. The matter was referred to the Hawks for investigation.
Intensive investigation by the Hawks led in Sogoni and Sikrenya being arrested on 30 May 2024 and subsequently charged under the Cybercrimes Act. The duo appeared in court where they were released on R3000 bail each. Both accused made several court appearances until they pleaded guilty and sentenced on 6 November 2025, and they were sentenced for their roles in inciting violence through electronic communication.
Sikrenya was sentenced to pay a fine of R6000 or undergo two years’ direct imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years’ on condition that he is not convicted on the similar offence. On the other hand, Sogoni was sentenced to pay a fine of R7000 or undergo two years’ direct imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years’ on condition that he is not convicted on the similar offence.
