By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court has denied Sibongiseni Ngubane (33), bail after the state successfully opposed it.
The matter was postponed to 09 January 2024 for further investigations. Ngubane is facing a premeditated murder charge for the death of businessman Ben Gumbi.
According to NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, the state argued strongly against the granting of bail after consulting with the investigating officer, Colonel Patric Murungwa.
He said the state prosecutor, Faith Mogaki, argued that the state had a strong case against the accused.
“In her corroboration, she indicated that the accused’s 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.
“The state also highlighted the fact that the accused 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,” Mamothame said.
Magistrate Tshenolo Mekgwe agreed with the state and denied Ngubane bail.
According to the police, Ngubane was arrested by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi.
He was arrested on 12 September 2023, in Germiston, after attending a court case in which he is facing a charge of armed robbery, wherein he is out on R3000 bail. He also has a pending case of possession of a firearm and ammunition in Alberton, wherein he was granted a R1000 bail.
Police reports revealed that Gumbi (49) was gunned down by two males outside a restaurant in the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) on Wednesday morning, 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.
“Meanwhile, police investigations are still underway to track down three other suspects who are believed to be on the run,” Mamothame said.