Picture: The accused, Sibongeseni Ngubane who is linked to Ben Gumbi’s murder/Sowetanlive
By OBAKENG MAJE
One of the accused, Sibongiseni Ngubane who was arrested after being linked to the murder of the North West prominent businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) was granted the re-opening of the bail hearing by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 3 October 2023.
Ngubane took a stand and testified that he is an Uber driver and he will suffer the loss of income if he is not released on bail. He further testified that his life would not be endangered should bail be granted.
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 ruthless murder of Gumbi (49). Mamothame said Gumbi was gunned down by two men outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on 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.
“Ngubane 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,” he said.
He further said during cross-examination, the state asked Ngubane why he used a stolen vehicle, which was later abandoned, instead of his registered Uber vehicle as he claimed he was just hired to transport people to Rustenburg. Mamothame added that Ngubane was further interrogated on the R15 000, which he alleges was his payment for the transport service.
“The state will argue strongly against the granting of bail after consulting with the investigating officer. The investigating officer, in taking the stand prior to the reopening of the bail hearing, urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offence, as the accused is facing a schedule 6 offence of premeditated murder.
“He alluded to the safety of the accused against three other suspects, who were on the run and may endanger his life. The accused was also pointed out at an identity parade by several witnesses,” said Mamothame.
He said the state also highlighted the community’s interest in the matter, following the circulation of a recording of the alleged incident on social media platforms. Mamothame said the state urged the court to consider the gruesome manner in which the alleged murder was committed.
The matter was postponed to 5 October 2023 for closing arguments.
Meanwhile, police investigations are underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run.
The Guardian 