Two men have been sentenced in connection with the September 2024 shooting in Kwazakele that claimed the life of 27-year-old Sipho Mahlinza and injured a female victim.
On September 1 2024, SAPS in Kwazakele responded to a shooting in Tshauka Street. Mahlinza and three friends were travelling to a tavern when their vehicle experienced mechanical problems.
Capt Sandra Janse Van Rensburg said: “Two men approached them and assisted in getting the vehicle started.
“Following a disagreement about giving one of the men a lift, a firearm was produced, and shots were fired, fatally wounding Mahlinza and injuring a female passenger.”
“In January 2025, the investigation was handed over to the Nelson Mandela Bay Intervention Task Team. Through further investigation, detectives identified and arrested the two suspects during January 2025,” she added.
Their bail applications were successfully opposed and they remained in custody until the case was finalised.
Janse Van Rensburg added, “Both accused were convicted on July 29, 2026, and sentenced on August 17.”
Sentences and convictions
Accused 1, a 21-year-old Kuhle Matawe, was found guilty on all five charges and received the following sentences:
Murder: 13 years direct imprisonment
Attempted Murder: 5 years direct imprisonment
Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances: 5 years direct imprisonment
Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm: 5 years direct imprisonment
Possession of Ammunition: 3 years direct imprisonment
The prison terms for Counts 1 through 3 will run concurrently, and those for Counts 4 and 5 will likewise run concurrently. Additionally, Matawe was ruled unfit to possess a firearm.
Accused 2, 24-year-old Simphiwe Tshukuse, received a sentence of five years direct imprisonment after being convicted of Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances.
Two years of his sentence were suspended for a period of five years, and he was declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, the Acting District Commissioner for Nelson Mandela Bay, commended the Nelson Mandela Bay Intervention Task Team for their persistence throughout the investigation, which led to the successful conviction of those responsible.
He further expressed appreciation to Public Prosecutor Mrs Melani Hammet for her vital contribution to achieving the conviction.
