Police in Rustenburg have confirmed that a suspect linked to the murder of businessman Jabulani Ben Gumbi has been arrested.
The accused, 33-year-old Sibongiseni Ngubane, appeared in the magistrate’s court in Rustenburg, North West on Thursday.
“He was remanded in custody pending further investigation. He is expected to make a second court appearance on September 19,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.
Gumbi was shot dead at close range on August 23. Since then, a video of the shooting has been circulating widely on social media.
He was gunned down in broad daylight at a coffee shop in Rustenburg. In the video, the killer can be seen aiming at Gumbi’s head and pulling the trigger before escaping.
Mokgwabone said the breakthrough was made on Tuesday when the suspect was nabbed in Germiston, east of Johannesburg.
He was hunted down by a multi-disciplinary team which was established after the murder of Gumbi. The suspect was apprehended in court where he appeared for armed robbery.
The hit on Gumbi is allegedly linked to a dispute over a piece of land next to Sun City, a popular gaming and gambling resort in North West.
Gumbi and business partner Jacob Ngakane started the Bakubung Smart City Development after securing partnership with the local traditional authority.
The R3.2-billion development would comprise a shopping centre, college, hospital, hotel, and sport facilities, among others. It is projected to create over 10 000 jobs.
However, it is alleged that the plans for the development of Bakubung were thwarted by people who occupied the earmarked land illegally and erected homes.
Gumbi and Ngakane, under the Bakubung Land Company, served the homeowners with a termination of occupation notice, which allegedly resulted in death threats against Gumbi.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena lauded the arrest of the suspected hitman.
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