Picture: The accused, Fani John Sibeko/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 October 2026 – The case against Fani John Sibeko (46), who is accused of killing four ANCYL members and injuring three others during a shooting incident in Katlehong North, Gauteng, briefly appeared before the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court. Sibeko faces four counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder, as well as charges of discharging a firearm in a public place and failure to safeguard a firearm.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Magaboke Mohlatlole said the charges relate to an incident that allegedly occurred on 13 October 2026, when a group of African National Congress (ANC) supporters was returning from a memorial service for the late councillor, Jeanese Magugu at Mogobeng Primary School. Mohlatlole said it is alleged that while the group was walking and chanting, gunshots were heard from behind them.
“A man driving a motor vehicle allegedly approached the group and initially fired shots into the air before firing multiple shots into the crowd. Four people were killed and three others injured. The deceased have been identified as Nqobile Faneli (23), Njabulo Ngcongo (23), Zanga Bingwa (21) and Yonwaba Tunce (27).
“Following the incident, Sibeko allegedly handed himself over to the police and remains in custody. The case docket has been assigned to the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) for further investigation,” he said.
Mohlatlole further said the state requested a seven-day postponement to allow for further bail investigations. He added that the matter was accordingly postponed to 22 October 2026.
“The NPA remains committed to ensuring that serious violent crimes are prosecuted effectively and that those alleged to be responsible are held accountable through the criminal justice process,” said Mohlatlole.
