Tag Archives: two counts of attempted murder

A man who ‘killed’ three people with spade denied bail

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By REGINALD KANYANE

16 October 2025- The Temba Magistrates’ Court has denied bail to Romeo Moshe Shibambu (37) from Suurman, who is facing three counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of malicious property damage. It is alleged that on 28 September 2025, the accused’s sister visited him at his residence.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said while conversing, she noticed a garden spade nearby. Mahanjana said when she enquired about it, the accused told her that he “felt like fighting” and that if he did, he “would win the fight.”

“He then allegedly chased his sister away and assaulted her with the spade. Two days later, on 30 September 2025, it is alleged that the accused was walking to a nearby shop carrying a spade to demand his R350 from the shop owner.

“On his way, he allegedly saw children playing at a neighbour’s house. He began assaulting Kelebogile Neo Gift Baloyi (3) with the spade until the child succumbed to his injuries. When the child’s mother, Rose Baloyi (33), saw what was happening and attempted to seek help from neighbours, she  fainted and fell to the ground,” she said.

Mahanjana further said Shibambu allegedly continued to assault her with the spade, resulting in her death. She added that when Sibusiso Langatshe Baloyi (42), the father of the child and husband to Rose, tried to intervene, the accused allegedly turned on him and assaulted him with the spade until he died.

“A taxi driver witnessed the attack and tried to intervene, however, the accused allegedly assaulted him with the spade, got into the taxi, and drove off while dragging the taxi driver from outside the taxi until he could not drive any further.

“As soon as he got out of the taxi, the community apprehended the accused, and the police were called to the scene. The injured taxi driver was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, and the accused was arrested,” said Mahanjana.

She said in court, Shibambu opted to represent himself and applied for bail, claiming he needed to prepare for trial. Mahanjana said prosecutor Sharon Nkandimeng opposed the application and led the evidence of the investigating officer, Constable Phalane from the Serious and Violent Crime Unit. Constable Phalane testified that the accused was a flight risk and a danger to both the community and himself, as he had allegedly expressed that he wanted to commit suicide because his job was done.

“The Magistrate found that it was not in the interests of justice to release the accused on bail. The matter was postponed to 27 November 2025, for further investigation,” she said.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, possession of firearm

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 July 2025- A man (34) sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court for murder, two counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. This comes after the accused, Shakandinnyi Ndivhoswami Tshiovhe was convicted.

The Nationals Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said convictions relate to a violent incident that occurred on 7 April 2021 at Dr Steenkamp’s surgery in Block A, Mabopane. Gunya said Tshiovhe, along with a group of men, stormed the surgery in broad daylight and robbed the doctor and patients of their valuables.

“During the robbery, one of the patients was fatally shot and died at the scene from a gunshot wound. As the situation escalated, Dr Steenkamp, acting in self-defence, used his licensed firearm and shot Tshiovhe, who sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.

“Witnesses reported seeing Tshiovhe bleeding as he fled the scene with his accomplices in a white Toyota Quantum parked outside. The next day, police followed up on information obtained from a witness and visited Odi Hospital to investigate the Quantum,” he said.

Gunya further said surveillance footage led to the identification and arrest of Tshiovhe and another suspect. He added that on 5 May 2021, an identification parade was conducted, during which some victims positively identified both individuals.

“Furthermore, blood samples collected from the scene were forensically linked to Tshiovhe through buccal sample analysis. The case against the co-accused was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. Tshiovhe pleaded not guilty to all charges.

“However, in aggravation of sentence, state advocate Ferdinand Tlatsana argued that the gravity of the offences and the lack of substantial and compelling circumstances warranted the prescribed minimum sentence,” said Gunya.

He said the court concurred and imposed life imprisonment for murder, 15 years imprisonment for two counts of robbery, 10 years imprisonment for attempted murder, 5 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm and 5 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. Gunya said all sentences are to run concurrently with the life sentence.

“Tshiovhe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Welcoming the judgment, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Tlatsana, the investigating officer, and all stakeholders involved in securing the conviction.

“These sentences underscore the National Prosecuting Authority’s unwavering commitment to fighting crime, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring justice for victims of violent crime,” she said.

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