A security company owner, together with his friend and four employees, has been charged with two counts of murder after they allegedly killed two men in Cornubia in August 2025, accusing them of robbery. 

Emmanuel Sibusiso Bhengu, 46, owner of Toasten Cleaning and Protection Services, and Nkosinathi Peacemaker Mabina, 45, the sole director of Sithembe Trading Services, a construction company, both assert that they were selected by the Cornubia community to act as leaders.

Bhengu and Mabina, along with Bhengu’s employees — Siyabonga Zulu, Sifiso Richard Masuku, Senzo Abraham Ngcobo, and Sifiso Nhloso Mhlongo — are accused by the State of killing Sphamandla Ngubane and Nsindiso Jwili.

The incident is alleged to have taken place in Cornubia on August 30, 2025. According to the prosecution, the accused immediately opened fire, killing Ngubane and Jwili, after hearing rumours that the victims were suspected of committing robberies in the Cornubia area. Lindokuhle Khumalo, Rion Mtolo, and Mlungisi Mkukwana survived the shooting.

The accused, facing charges that include attempted murder, possession of unlawful firearms, and defeating the course of justice, indicated their intention to plead not guilty during their bail application at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court. 

Bhengu, represented by private attorney Thulani Mlondo, who also represents all his co-accused, claimed he acted in self-defence. He stated that the victims were the first to shoot when they approached them on the fateful day.

Bhengu further informed the court that following the exchange of gunfire, he and his team fully cooperated with the police who were called to the scene, answering questions and being told they would be contacted for further inquiries if necessary.

“In September, my company was requested to submit its firearms for ballistic testing. I was told it’s related to the August 30 incident, which took place at Cornubia. I complied, and all the company firearms, including my personal gun, were returned after the completion of the ballistic test,” he explained. 

He said his position of being a leader at Cornubia came with a lot of obligations, accountability, and responsibilities, and the community is concerned about his continued incarceration. He also submitted a petition signed by community members.

Regarding his personal life, Bhengu stated that he is married and in the process of marrying a second and third wife, with eight children. He claimed to earn R100,000 monthly, which he uses to support his family as he is the breadwinner and also to assist the community. He further stated that he has 10 cars, which include company cars. 

Should he be granted bail, he assured the court he would not interfere with State witnesses, whom he claims not to know. He offered to pay R8,000 for bail and promised to adhere to all bail conditions.

Mabina, a married father of nine and the sole breadwinner, expressed community concern over his and his friend’s continued detention. He said he could afford R6,000 bail.

Bhengu’s employees maintained that their actions were in self-defence and confirmed their intention to plead not guilty. All the accused collectively asserted that “the State has a weak case if it even has one”.

Following the conclusion of the defence’s case by Mlondo, State prosecutor Advocate Nokulunga Ngcobo requested a postponement. 

“The State requires time to verify the new addresses provided by the accused in their affidavits. The defence has provided us with logbooks for some of the vehicles, and others are still outstanding; we need to verify,” she said.

Ngcobo revealed that the investigations into the matter have been completed.

She hinted that they would present evidence on why the accused were arrested after three months and address the issues of witness safety and interference with the investigation. 

Magistrate T Badal subsequently postponed the case to early February.

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za

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