Ben Gumbi murder suspect to know his fate on Monday

The Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court has delayed the ruling on Sibongiseni Ngubane’s application to reopen bail proceedings until October 2, 2023. Ngubane, aged 33, stands accused of a schedule 6 offence of premeditated murder in connection with the ruthless killing of Ben Gumbi (49) in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on August 23, 2023.

The accused’s attorney argued that they lacked privileged information about the state’s evidence against Ngubane, who has applied for bail. However, the state vehemently opposed this application, asserting that they had ample time to engage with the evidence presented by the investigating officer during his testimony. Additionally, Ngubane’s attorney presented an affidavit in court outlining reasons for his client’s bail request.

The state’s opposition to bail was underscored by several factors. The investigating officer took the stand to present reasons for opposing bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the safety concerns for Ngubane, who is potentially at risk from three other suspects still at large. Furthermore, the accused was positively identified by multiple witnesses in an identity parade. The state emphasized the community’s heightened interest in the case due to a circulating recording of the alleged incident on social media and the particularly gruesome nature of the murder.

According to police reports, Ngubane was apprehended on September 12, 2023, in Germiston after attending a court case where he faced charges of armed robbery. He had been released on R3000 bail in that case. Additionally, he has a pending case in Alberton for possession of a firearm and ammunition, for which he was granted R1000 bail.

The murder of Ben Gumbi unfolded when he was gunned down by two assailants outside a restaurant in Rustenburg’s CBD. The suspects fled the scene in a blue Volkswagen Polo, which was later discovered abandoned at the intersection of Helen Joseph and Lourie Streets. The vehicle was determined to be stolen, with falsified number plates.

As the court postpones the bail decision to October 2, 2023, police investigations continue to track down the three other suspects believed to be on the run in connection with this heinous crime. The case has attracted significant attention, both from the local community and the wider public, eager to see justice served in the murder of Ben Gumbi.