THE North West High Court in Mogwase has on Thursday, 09 October 2025 sentenced Sibongiseni Ngubane and Thabani Gwala to life imprisonment for the murder of prominent businessman Ben Gumbi.
The court’s decision comes after the two men were found guilty of premeditated murder and possession of an unlawful firearm. Ben Gumbi was gunned down outside a restaurant in Rustenburg’s central business district on August 23, 2023.
The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which was later used as evidence in court. According to the state, Ngubane was paid R15,000 for his involvement in the crime. Ngubane claimed he was merely a bolt driver unaware of the plot, but the court rejected his defense.The judge carefully evaluated the evidence presented, taking into account potential weaknesses in identification and the involvement of both accused.
The court found Ngubane and Gwala guilty of premeditated murder and possession of an unlawful firearm.
After considering the severity of the crime, the court sentenced them to life imprisonment.The defense’s application for leave to appeal the verdict was rejected, paving the way for the sentence to be carried out.
This decision brings closure to Gumbi’s family and the community, who have been seeking justice for the brutal murder.
Ben Gumbi’s family has welcomed the life sentences handed down to the perpetrators, with his wife, Busi Gumbi stating, ‘We are happy, even though my husband is not coming back.’ The court’s decision brings some sense of justice and closure to the family, although it can never replace their loved one.
A third suspect was recently arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and is expected to appear in court soon in connection with Gumbi’s murder. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are working to uncover the truth behind the crime.
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