Sentencing proceedings in Christine Gumira murder case to get underway

JOHANNESBURG - Sentencing proceedings in the trial of three men found guilty of killing a woman outside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court more than two years ago, get underway on Monday in the Western Cape High Court.

Mandisi Mofu was found guilty of killing Christine Gumira in May 2023 while she was leaving court.

His two accomplices, Lukhanyo Meme and Vuminkosi Vumene, were also found guilty of helping Mofu carry out the crime by identifying the victim for the hit.

Gumira was an accused in a murder case and had just agreed to turn State witness when she was attacked.

On Monday, the State and the defense are expected to present their arguments before sentences are handed down to the trio.

The prosecution is expected to ask the court to impose a life sentence, particularly on Mofu.

He was found guilty of pulling the trigger and killing Gumira in broad daylight, as she walked out of court to the nearby taxi rank.

The prosecution is also expected to argue for immunity for its star witness, Andile Nqalathi, who testified to transporting Mofu and his accomplices to court, unaware of their murder plans.

He pointed out Mofu as the triggerman seen in a video that went viral on social media shortly after the shooting.

The court found his testimony to be credible, but lawyers for the accused are expected to argue against him being let off the hook for the murder.