Picture: The accused person, Sibongiseni Ngubane
By OBAKENG MAJE
One of the alleged killers of the prominent North West businessman, Ben Gumbi (49) was denied bail by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court. Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) applied for bail after his arrest a few months ago in Germiston.
Ngubane was arrested by the members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi. He was arrested on 12 September 2023 after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ngubane also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted an R1000 bail. Mamothame further said the police reports revealed that Gumbi was gunned down by 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.
“The accused wanted the court to grant him bail, but the state successfully opposed it. Ngubane is facing a premeditated murder charge for the death of Gumbi. The state argued strongly against the granting of bail after consulting with the investigating officer, Colonel Patric Murungwa.
“The state prosecutor, Faith Mogaki, argued that the state has a strong case against the accused. In her corroboration, she indicated that the accused’ fingerprints were discovered on the vehicle that was used in the commission of the crime and further that he was identified by witnesses in an identity parade,” he said.
Mamothame added that the state also highlighted the fact that Ngubane voluntarily did the pointing out of the scene, as well confessing, albeit his argument that he did all of that involuntary as he alleges the police assaulted him.
Magistrate Tshenolo Mekgwe agreed with the state and denied Ngubane bail. The matter was postponed to 9 January 2024 for further investigations.
Meanwhile, the police investigations are still underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run.
The Guardian 