GQEBERHA – 19 August 2026 — A court sentenced two men for their roles in a deadly shooting in Kwazakhele, Gqeberha.
The shooting happened in September 2024. It claimed the life of 27-year-old Sipho Mahlinza and injured a woman.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) welcomed the convictions and sentences.
Shooting followed a disagreement
The incident happened on 1 September 2024 at about 1:15am in Tshauka Street, Kwazakhele.
According to police, Mahlinza and three friends were travelling to a tavern when their vehicle developed mechanical problems.
Two men approached the group and helped them start the vehicle.
A disagreement followed when one of the men asked the group for a lift.
The situation then turned violent. One of the men pulled out a firearm and fired shots.
The gunfire killed Mahlinza and injured a female passenger.
Investigation leads to arrests
In January 2025, SAPS handed the investigation to the Nelson Mandela Bay Intervention Task Team.
The detectives continued the investigation and identified the two suspects.
Police arrested both men during January 2025.
Prosecutors successfully opposed their bail applications. As a result, the two accused remained in custody until the court finalised the case.
The court found both men guilty on 29 July 2026. The court sentenced them on 17 August 2026.
Matawe receives 13 years for murder
The court convicted 21-year-old Kuhle Matawe on five counts.
The court sentenced him to:
- Murder: 13 years’ direct imprisonment.
- Attempted murder: Five years’ direct imprisonment.
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances: Five years’ direct imprisonment.
- Possession of an unlicensed firearm: Five years’ direct imprisonment.
- Possession of ammunition: Three years’ direct imprisonment.
The court ordered the sentences for Counts 1 to 3 to run concurrently. It also ordered the sentences for Counts 4 and 5 to run concurrently.
The court further declared Matawe unfit to possess a firearm.
Tshukuse receives five-year sentence
The court convicted 24-year-old Simphiwe Tshukuse of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The court sentenced him to five years’ direct imprisonment. However, it suspended two years of the sentence for five years.
The court also declared Tshukuse unfit to possess a firearm.
Police welcome convictions
Nelson Mandela Bay Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo praised the Nelson Mandela Bay Intervention Task Team for its work on the case.
Ngalo said the team showed perseverance while investigating the shooting and bringing the suspects before the court.
He also praised Public Prosecutor Mrs Melani Hammet for helping secure the successful prosecution.
SAPS said the outcome highlights the importance of thorough investigations and strong cooperation between police and prosecutors.
The court outcome follows almost two years of investigation and legal proceedings.
