Bail for seven in Lydenburg shoot-out case

The seven men accused of attempted murder following a shoot-out with police made their second appearance in the Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, May 22.

They were reportedly intercepted by police while allegedly attempting to carry out hits on businessman Soli Masufi and ANC councillor Timothy Maphanga.

The accused – Kwenza Mkhize (31), Sphelele Sithole (40), Bongumusa Nzama (59), Mpilo Mhlongo (45), Gcina Mkhize (41), Thembelani Sibisi (30) and Peter Tshonga (40) – face charges of attempted murder and possession of unlawful firearms. Additional charges may be added.

The alleged ambush occurred on Tuesday, May 6, shortly after 21:00, when armed suspects stormed the Sterkspruit complex in Lydenburg. Gunfire erupted, with shots reportedly heard as far as Rooikat Park.

According to the SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Cave Dilebo, intelligence indicates that the suspects travelled from Gauteng to eliminate Masufi and Maphanga. Masufi had allegedly received repeated threats from a suspected tender kingpin in Gauteng regarding municipal contracts linked to the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality.

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The group reportedly first targeted Maphanga’s residence in Skhila, but he was not home, having gone into hiding due to previous threats. They then moved on to the Sterkspruit complex, where Masufi lived.

Upon their forced entry at the complex’s gate, both security personnel and police responded. A shoot-out ensued inside the complex.
All seven suspects were arrested at the scene, while others reportedly fled on foot. Multiple firearms, including an AK-47, were recovered. The vehicles used were seized for forensic examination.

On May 22, six of the accused applied for bail and were each granted bail of R3 000.
The seventh accused, Tshonga, who was wounded during the shoot-out, had made his first court appearance in absentia on May 14, as he was still receiving medical treatment at Lydenburg Hospital. He was granted bail of R10 000.

All accused were informed of their bail conditions, which include: no interference with the investigation, no contact with witnesses or the complainant and mandatory in-person attendance at their next court appearance

They are scheduled to return to court on Monday, July 29.