Update

GEORGE NEWS - The arrest of two suspects, Sinenjongo Mgqibandaba (23) and Simthendile Qwaka (39), linked to the murder of Welele Mdbubebe (60) in Thembalethu on Wednesday evening, 1 March, was welcomed by the Thembalethu community, leaders and members of Uncedo Taxi Association.

The suspects were arrested on Thursday 9 March and appeared in the Thembalethu Magistrate's Court the following day on charges of murder and attempted murder after Mbudede was killed and a family member injured.

Mbudede was the chairperson of the George branch of Uncedo, and a stakeholder in the George Integrated Public Transport Network, that manages the Go George bus service. 

He was shot and killed outside his home in Thembalethu on the same day that two petrol bombs were thrown at a Go George bus in New Dawn Park, Pacaltsdorp.

11 people sustained moderate to severe burn wounds and were hospitalised.

Mgqibandaba and Qwaka, both from George, will remain in custody until they appear for their formal bail application on 30 March.

Gunned down

Mbudede was killed when two men opened fire on him and a young family member outside their house. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the scene. The suspects fled after the shooting.

The family member managed to run into the house but not before he was shot in the leg. He was taken to hospital for medical care and has since been discharged.

Arrests welcomed

Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie welcomed these arrests and commended the team of detectives and the police leadership who have worked on the case. 

"We hope the case will be processed speedily through the courts. I trust this will give some comfort to the family of Mbudede and the local community," said Mackenzie.

"The roll-out of the Go George bus service in Thembalethu is a key priority, and we need to ensure the safety of all involved. Criminal elements cannot be allowed to hold back service delivery for residents. A successful trial run of the bus routes has been conducted this week in preparation for the launch of the Thembalethu service."

Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen said the collaboration between the police and other stakeholders is encouraging, especially seeing as Thembalethu is one of their safety plan priority areas.

"We now call on the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute this case effectively. I have already prepared to initiate a watching brief on the case. This should send a strong message to those who attempt to hold communities, commuters and government hostage through violence and extortion, that justice will be pursued," he said.

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