Two men convicted and sentenced for 2024 Kwazakhele shooting

Two men have been convicted and sentenced in connection with a September 2024 shooting in Kwazakhele that left 27-year-old Sipho Mahlinza dead and a female passenger injured.

What happened

On 1 September 2024, police in Kwazakhele responded to a shooting on 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.”

Investigation and arrests

Capt Janse Van Rensburg said the investigation was handed over to the Nelson Mandela Bay Intervention Task Team in January 2025. She said that through further investigation, detectives identified and arrested the two suspects during January 2025. Their bail applications were opposed and they remained in custody until the case was finalised.

Convictions and sentences

Janse Van Rensburg said both accused were convicted on 29 July 2026 and sentenced on 17 August 2026.

Accused 1: Kuhle Matawe

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. Matawe was also ruled unfit to possess a firearm.

Accused 2: Simphiwe Tshukuse

Twenty-four-year-old Simphiwe Tshukuse was convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances and was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment. Two years of his sentence were suspended for a period of five years. He was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Official response

Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, the Acting District Commissioner for Nelson Mandela Bay, commended the Nelson Mandela Bay Intervention Task Team for their persistence, which he said led to the successful conviction of those responsible. He also expressed appreciation to Public Prosecutor Mrs Melani Hammet for her contribution to achieving the conviction.