Sibongiseni Ngubane, a man linked to the murder of businessman Jabulani Ben Gumbi, appeared in the Rustenburg magistrate’s court on Tuesday to apply for bail.
The proceedings were postponed to September 27 and Ngubane was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
During his appearance, Ngubane’s attorney read an affidavit citing reasons for his client to be released on bail.
The state opposed the application for bail and called to the stand the investigating officer to elaborate on the reasons.
Henry Mamothame, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, said the seriousness of the offence is being taken into consideration.
He stated that the accused faces a schedule-six offence of premeditated murder.
Mamothame 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,” said Mamothame.
“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.”
Mamothame said the state also urged the court to consider the gruesome manner in which Gumbi was murdered.
Ngubane was arrested on September 12 in Germiston, east of Johannesburg by members of a multi-disciplinary team, which was established after the ruthless murder of Gumbi.
The suspect was apprehended in court where he appeared for another case of armed robbery.
Gumbi was shot dead at close range at a coffee shop in Rustenburg on August 23. Since then, a video of the shooting has been circulating widely on social media.
In the video, the killer can be seen aiming at Gumbi’s head and pulling the trigger before fleeing the scene.
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