Gumbi murder case moves closer to trial
Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – The long road to justice in the murder of respected businessman Ben Gumbi has taken another step, while the third accused in the case remains behind bars as the matter moves toward trial.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), through its North West spokesperson Sivenathi Gunya, confirmed this week that the third suspect linked to Gumbi’s killing has been remanded in custody until 6 February 2026, when the case is expected to proceed to trial.
This update follows earlier bail proceedings involving Zimele Mntuyazi Nkwanyana (37), who was arrested in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, and later brought before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court. Nkwanyana first appeared in October 2025 as part of the broader investigation into Gumbi’s murder in August 2023.
The case has already seen major developments. Two co-accused, Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) and Thabani Lethukuthula Gwala (30), were previously convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, along with an additional 15 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm. The sentences are running concurrently.
Ben Gumbi, aged 50, was fatally shot outside a Rustenburg coffee shop after stepping out of his vehicle to take a phone call, while his wife remained inside. Investigators were able to link the perpetrators to the crime through surveillance footage and fingerprint evidence, leading to swift arrests and successful prosecution. At the time, the NPA described the killing as “brutal, violent, and callous,” underscoring the devastating impact the crime had on both the Gumbi family and the wider community.
