The Western Cape High Court on Tuesday handed down a life imprisonment sentence to Mandisi Mofu (27) for the execution-style murder of Christine Gumira (31), who was shot dead outside the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on 25 May 2023. His two accomplices, Lukhanyo Meme (34) and Vuminkosi Vumane (39), were each sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for their roles in the killing.
The sentences come a week after the trio were convicted on charges related to the brazen daylight assassination. Evidence presented by the State established that Gumira was targeted to prevent her from testifying in a separate murder case. She was scheduled to meet an investigating officer on the day of her killing to be placed into the witness protection programme, having recently agreed to become a state witness.
State Advocate Chandre Smith, who led the prosecution, argued that the killing was a direct attempt to silence Gumira’s anticipated testimony.
The court heard that Mofu arranged transport to the courthouse through taxi driver Andile Nqalathi, who later turned Section 204 State witness. Nqalathi testified that he collected Mofu, Meme, and Vumane and drove them to the court. Meme and Vumane entered the building to track Gumira’s movements, while Mofu waited outside and swapped the number plates on the getaway vehicle. Their presence was corroborated by CCTV footage and cell-site data.
As Gumira exited the courthouse with two women, Mofu approached and shot her at close range before fleeing the scene. A stray bullet struck a passing motorist’s SUV, which formed the basis of an additional charge of attempted murder.
Following the CCTV trail, detectives traced and stopped the vehicle on 1 June 2023. Subsequent operations at an address in Lower Crossroads led to the arrest of all three accused and the seizure of clothing that matched that of the shooter seen on video.
Last week, the High Court found Mofu guilty of murder, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Meme and Vumane were convicted as accomplices to murder for identifying Gumira and coordinating the attack from inside the court building.
In today’s sentencing, Mandisi Mofu received life imprisonment for murder, 12 years for attempted murder, 8 years for the unlawful possession of a firearm, and 8 years for the unlawful possession of ammunition. These sentences will run concurrently with his life term.
Lukhanyo Meme and Vuminkosi Vumane were each sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment as accomplices to the murder.
The court declared all three accused unfit to ever possess a firearm or ammunition.