Additional Suspects Face Murder Charges Over Courthouse Killing
Key Points
- Police arrested two more suspects, raising the total to four in the Wynberg court murder case.
- The shooting victim, Dingalomoyo Chintso, was linked to a prior gang killing.
- Authorities believe the murder was part of a gang retaliation plot.
Two new arrests linked to fatal Wynberg court shooting
Police in the Western Cape have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the deadly shooting at the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court. This brings the total number of individuals facing charges in the case to four.
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, spokesperson for the South African Police Service, confirmed the update on Thursday. Officers apprehended two men, aged 23 and 34, during an early morning operation. “This brings the number of suspects arrested for the murder to four,” Twigg said.
Police have accused the two men alongside Shireen Matthews and alleged gang hitman Abubaker Adams. All four now face charges related to the killing of 49-year-old Dingalomoyo Chintso on April 8.
Victim linked to previous gang-related murder
The gunman shot Chintso on the fourth floor of the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court. That floor houses the regional court. The brazen attack shocked court officials and members of the public alike. As a result, speculation spread quickly, including false claims that the victim was a state witness.
Eyewitnesses reported a chilling scene. They said a lone assailant wearing a maroon T-shirt and black beanie approached Chintso. The attacker retrieved a gun from a sling bag and fired four close-range shots at Chintso’s head. After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene.
Authorities later identified Chintso as a person of interest in another case. He was reportedly connected to the murder of Ashley “Essie” Phillips, a known leader of the Junky Funky gang. Someone shot Phillips outside the Brackenfell Police Station earlier this year.
Prosecutors allege gang retaliation was motive
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that Matthews conspired with members of the Junky Funky Kids gang to plan the killing. According to the NPA, the murder served as a form of retaliation for Phillips’ death.
“The State believes that the murder was a retaliation for a murder that the deceased committed,” said NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
Furthermore, the NPA said the two newly arrested suspects will appear in Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Matthews is scheduled to return to court at the end of May. Prosecutors have stated they will oppose any bail applications filed by the accused.
