Johannesburg – A 46-year-old man accused of opening fire on a group of African National Congress (ANC) supporters in Katlehong, killing four young people and wounding three others, has appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
Fani John Sibeko faces four counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, discharging a firearm in a public place and failing to safeguard a firearm.
The charges stem from a shooting on 13 October 2026, when a group of ANC supporters was returning from a memorial service for the late Councillor Jeanese Magugu at Mogobeng Primary School in Katlehong North, Ekurhuleni.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the group was walking and chanting when gunshots suddenly rang out from behind them.
A man driving a vehicle allegedly approached the group and initially fired several shots into the air before turning his firearm on the crowd.
Four people were killed in the shooting, while three others sustained injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Nqobile Faneli (23), Njabulo Ngcongo (23), Zanga Bingwa (21) and Yonwaba Tunce (27).
Sibeko allegedly handed himself over to police following the shooting and has remained in custody since his arrest.
The case has been assigned to the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly attack.
The involvement of the specialised task team comes amid questions about the motive behind the shooting, which targeted a group returning from an ANC memorial service.
However, authorities have not confirmed whether the attack was politically motivated.
During Sibeko’s court appearance, the State requested a seven-day postponement to allow investigators to conduct further investigations relating to bail.
The court granted the postponement, and the matter is expected to return to court on 22 October 2026.
NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the prosecuting authority remained committed to ensuring that perpetrators of serious violent crimes face justice.
“The NPA remains committed to ensuring that serious violent crimes are prosecuted effectively and that those alleged to be responsible are held accountable through the criminal justice process,” Mohlatlole said.
Sibeko remains behind bars as investigations continue.