Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
19 February 2026
Four suspects were expected to appear at the Evander Magistrate’s court on Thursday, 19 February 2026, as per the SAPS media release, in connection with an attempted murder and business robbery that occurred at a local tavern in Extension 22, Embalenhle. Meanwhile, three appeared before the court.
Sboniso Calvin Hlatjwayo, the traditional healer, appeared alone, facing three charges of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and being in the country illegally.
Meanwhile, Zakhele Gumbi and Ndumiso Dlamini appear alongside facing seven charges emanating from attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm, and being in the country illegally.
Members of the community raised concerns about their appearance after only three suspects appeared.
Community members who went out in large numbers to oppose the bail said they tried to seek answers from the prosecutors about where the fourth suspect is, but could not get any answers.
They furthermore blamed the police for taking credit alone on the media release, while the alleged suspects were said to have been traced and apprehended by local security companies.
“According to the witnesses, there were six people, but four were arrested. Now, to our surprise, here in court, only three appeared with different charges. We no longer understand what’s happening, and we need to consider that security personnel help us a lot in the community, as we rely on them since the police fail us,” said Cllr Mahlangu of ward 9
The matter has been rolled over to Friday, 20 February 2025, for a legal aid application.
