Christine Gumira murder: State disputes argument shooter lacks intellect to know right from wrong

CAPE TOWN - The State has disputed an argument that the man convicted of killing a woman outside the Wynberg Magistrate's Court lacks the intellectual ability to know right from wrong.

Mandisi Mofu's lawyer made the argument during his final address in the Western Cape High Court.

He told the court that his client may not have understood the gravity of his actions due to his lack of cognitive development, having dropped out of school in Grade 9 at 16 years old.

Lukhanyo Mene and Vuminkosi Vumani were also found guilty of conspiring with Mofu to execute Christine Gumira in May 2023 by pointing her out to him.

The prosecution has asked the court to disregard the defence's argument that Mofu lacked cognitive function as baseless.

The State said that Mofu articulated himself well on the witness stand and did not show any lack of intellectual capacity.

The prosecution also disputed arguments made by Mene and Vumani's lawyers that the pair played a lesser role in Christine Gumira's hit.

State prosecutor advocate Chandre Smith told the court that the role Mene and Vumani played was far from minimal, considering that the execution would not have happened without their help.

She's asked the court to impose life imprisonment for all three men when sentencing is handed down on Thursday.