The police in the North West are still on the hunt for the three other criminals who were involved in the murder of businessman Ben Gumbi (49). His murder on 23 August 2023 was captured on CCTV camera which was widely shared on social media. In the video, he can be seen on his phone when two armed men approached him from behind and shot him at close range in the head and torso. The men fled in a blue Polo and abandoned it a few kilometres from the murder scene.
Sibongiseni Ngubane appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates Court in the North-West on Monday facing the charges of premeditated murder. Ngubane (38) was arrested last week Tuesday when he appeared at the Germiston Court on a separate armed robbery charge. He was identified in an identity parade by several witnesses. He will appear in court again on the 27 September 2023 for continuation of bail proceedings and consultation. Ngubane's attorney read an affidavit in court citing reasons for him to be granted bail.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) North West spokesperson Henry Mamothame said that the state strongly opposed the granting of bail. "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. The accused was also pointed out at an identity parade by several witnesses. 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 way the alleged murder was committed," said Mamothame.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed that the police investigations are ongoing. He said it was also discovered that the car the suspects were driving was stolen and the number plates were false.