Three Men Convicted for Killing Would-Be State Witness Outside Wynberg Court

Witness’s final day ends in murder outside Wynberg court

The streets outside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town became the scene of a targeted killing that has now ended in three murder convictions. Christine Gumira, herself facing charges at the time, was about to meet an investigating officer to join South Africa’s witness protection programme. She never made it.

On 25 May 2023, Gumira was gunned down as she left the court building. This week, the Western Cape High Court found Mandisi Mofu, Lukhanyo Meme, and Vuminkosi Vumene guilty of her murder.

Mofu was also convicted of attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of ammunition. Sentencing is set to begin on Monday, 18 August 2025.

How the hit unfolded

Evidence led by state advocate Chandre Smith painted a detailed picture of the day Gumira was killed. Mofu arranged a ride to Wynberg using taxi driver Andile Nqalathi, who testified that Meme and Vumene joined them. The two were dropped outside the court while Mofu stayed in the vehicle, instructing Nqalathi to change the number plates.

Inside the courtroom, witnesses placed Meme and Vumene alongside Gumira, watching her movements. CCTV footage showed Meme leaving the building and signalling outside. Moments later, Mofu got out of the car, walked toward Gumira, and fired two shots. She collapsed in the street.

The investigation closes in

Nqalathi said he heard the shots before driving Mofu away from the scene. CCTV tracking of the silver sedan he drove led police to the Lower Crossroads area, where Mofu lived.

When officers arrested the three men, they seized wet clothing matching that seen in CCTV footage from the shooting. Cellphones were confiscated, but the accused refused to hand over data access, forcing police to use number tracing to map their movements.

Meme and Vumene admitted being at the court but claimed they were supporting a neighbour facing sentencing. Court records for the day showed no such name. Mofu offered an alibi, but his witnesses proved unreliable.

Conviction and an attempted murder count

The attempted murder conviction stemmed from damage to a bystander’s SUV during the shooting. A ballistic expert confirmed a bullet recovered from the vehicle matched the gun used.

The court found the state’s case proved beyond a reasonable doubt, delivering justice in a murder that struck at the heart of the justice system: the protection of those willing to testify.

Also read: From Dreams to Tragedy: Family Mourns Soweto E-Hailing Driver Killed Days After Starting Job

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Source: The Citizen

Featured Image: Freepik