Gcaba, along with William Kunene, Hezekiah Masiteng, Xolani Mhlongo, Vusi Ngubane, Sibongiseni Khanyile, Lucas Mhlenti, Brett Rayner, Thulani Dyanti, Mandla Nkosi and Mhlabunzima Gasa, were arrested after a shooting at the Brook Street taxi rank which left three people dead, including an innocent commuter.
The 11 men appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where they claimed to have acted in self-defence and denied being members of both the Sonke and Zamokuhle taxi associations.
The shooting is believed to have been prompted following a long-standing dispute between Sonke and Zamokhule Long Distance Taxi Association over a specific route.
Driving force
The court heard earlier that Gcaba was the main driving force behind Sonke's illegal invasion of minibus taxi routes that allegedly prompted the shooting at the Brook Street taxi rank.
Reading Gcaba’s affidavit during the bail application, defence attorney Jimmy Howse laid bare details relating to his client's fleet of cars and taxis as well as other intimate details. This included that he shared his Umhlanga home with his brother, business mogul Mandla Gcaba, and that he was engaged to three women through traditional laws.
Some of Gcaba's most prized possessions included: a 2010 Audi RS6 valued at approximately R300 000, a 2009 Audi Q7 valued at approximately R300 000, a 2014 Range Rover Evoque valued at approximately R350 000, a 2012 Mercedes Benz C Class valued at approximately R200 000, and a 2014 Golf 7 valued at approximately R300 000.
Informing the court of his personal circumstances during the application, Gcaba's affidavit said he was a father of eight.
"Although I am unmarried, I have three boys, aged 11, 9 and 4 respectively and five girls aged 9, 8, 7, 5 and 4 respectively."
Sole breadwinner
Gcaba said although his children lived with their mothers, he was the sole breadwinner and paid for the children’s education as well as their general well-being.
"I own 24 taxis with an average value of R300 000 per taxi. Twelve of my taxis are very new and are subject to credit agreements with financial institutions.
"The other twelve are freehold and are also relatively new and in good condition."
Gcaba said his taxi business employed 24 drivers and three managers. The business generated approximately R400 000 per month.
"I am engaged to three women through traditional laws and have paid lobola for them. I plan to marry them in the foreseeable future."
Gcaba told the court that he did not own a passport and had no intention of applying for one while out on bail.
The case continues on Thursday.
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