Picture: North West prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi’s alleged killer, Sibongiseni Ngubane/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
One of the suspects in a murder case of a North West businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) is expected back in court for a formal bail application. Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) was arrested a few weeks after Gumbi was gunned down by two men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 23 August 2023.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ngubane was arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the death of Gumbi. He further said Ngubane was arrested on 12 September 2023 in Germiston after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery.
He added that Ngubane was out on R3000 bail at the time and he also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail.
“The suspects fled the scene with a blue Volkswagen Polo vehicle after shooting Gumbi. The vehicle that was used during the commission of the crime, was found a few minutes after the incident abandoned at the Corner of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets.
“The vehicle was confirmed to have been stolen and the number plates that were on the car were false. The Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court postponed the case to 2 October 2023, for a ruling on his application to reopen bail proceedings,” said Mamothame.
He said the accused attorney indicated that they had no privileged information on the evidence the state was going to submit in opposing bail. Mamothame said the state opposed this application indicating that the defence 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,” he said.
Mamothame said Ngubane was also pointed out at an identity parade by several witnesses. He said 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. Meanwhile, police investigations are underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run,” he said.
The Guardian 