SUSPECT IN THE MURDER OF A BUSINESSMAN APPLIES FOR REOPENING OF BAIL HEARING
The Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court postponed the case against Sibongiseni Ngubane (33), to 02 October 2023, for a ruling on his application to reopen bail proceedings. The accused attorney indicated that they had no privileged information, on the evidence the state was going to submit in opposing bail. The state opposed this application indicating that they had ample time to engage with the evidence that was presented by the investigating officer during his testimony. The state further submitted that Ngubane’s attorney read an affidavit in court citing reasons for him to be granted bail.
The state strongly opposed the granting of bail, to which the investigating officer was called to the stand to cite reasons for opposing. Amongst other reasons cited by the investigating officer, was the seriousness of the offence, as the accused is facing a schedule 6 offence of premeditated murder. He further alluded to the safety of the accused against three other suspects who are on the run and may endanger his life. The accused was also pointed out at an identity parade by several witnesses. The state further highlighted the community’s interest in the matter, following the circulation of a recording of the alleged incident on social media platforms. The state also urged the court to consider the gruesome manner in which the alleged murder was committed.
According to the police, Ngubane was arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Ben Gumbi. He was arrested on 12 September 2023, in Germiston after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail. He also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail. Police reports revealed that Gumbi (49), was gunned down by two males outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on Wednesday morning, 23 August 2023. The suspects then fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo car which was found a few minutes after the incident, abandoned at the Corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets. The car was confirmed to have been stolen and the number plates that were on the car were false.
Meanwhile, police investigations are underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run.
