Gumbi Case Update
Third accused edges closer to bail ruling
Rustenburg – The pursuit of justice in the murder of well-known businessman Ben Gumbi (50) continues, with the third suspect in the case now heading back to court for the next crucial step in his bail proceedings.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), through its North West spokesperson Sivenathi Gunya, confirmed that the third accused — Zimele Mntuyazi Nkwanyana (37) — will return to the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 2 December 2025 for closing arguments in his bail application.
Nkwanyana was arrested in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, and first appeared on 10 October 2025, with a follow-up appearance on 17 October for the formal bail application. His case forms part of the wider investigation into Gumbi’s murder in August 2023.
This development follows the sentencing of the two main perpetrators, Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) and Thabani Lethukuthula Gwala (30), who were handed life imprisonment for murder and an additional 15 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm — sentences that will run concurrently.
Gumbi was tragically gunned down outside a Rustenburg coffee shop after stepping out to take a phone call while his wife remained inside their vehicle. Swift investigation, surveillance footage and fingerprint evidence helped link the killers to the crime.
The NPA previously described the murder as “brutal, violent, and callous,” with director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari praising the prosecution team for their dedication.
