HAMMANSKRAAL – The Temba Magistrates’ Court in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, has turned down the bail application of Romeo Moshe Shibambu (37), the alleged murderer of three family members. A fourth victim, a taxi driver, reportedly escaped the same incident with severe injuries. The bail hearing was on Friday, 17 October.
Shibambu’s bail application relates to the alleged ruthless killing of three members of the Baloyi family, using a garden spade. The deceased are father Sibusiso Langatshe (42), mother Rose (33) and son Kelebogile Neo Gift (3). The suspect is facing three counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of malicious damage to property.
Lumka Mahanjana, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa, said Shibambu had opted to represent himself in the bail hearing, claiming he needed to prepare for trial.
She said the court took into consideration the reasons to not allow bail as provided by the prosecution and the police. Prosecutor Sharon Nkandimeng, representing the state, led the evidence of the investigating officer in opposing the bail.
“The lead investigator testified that the accused was a flight risk and a danger to both the community and to himself. He said the suspect had allegedly expressed intentions of committing suicide because his job was done. The magistrate found that it was not in the interests of justice to release the accused on bail,” said Mahanjana.
The matter was adjourned to 27 November pending further investigation.
The murder of three members of the Baloyi family, as well as the attack on the taxi driver, occurred on 30 September.
The accused allegedly assaulted the driver with the spade, then he got into the taxi and drove off while dragging the taxi driver. – Lumka Mahanjana, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority
Mahanjana said on the day in question, the suspect had been seen carrying a spade and walking towards a nearby shop, apparently to demand his R350 from the shop owner.
“On his way, he saw children playing at a neighbour’s house. He allegedly began assaulting three-year-old Gift with the spade until the child succumbed to his injuries,” said Mahanjana.
The traumatised mother fainted upon seeing the suspect attacking her child. Rose is reported as having been attacked while lying unconscious on the ground.
“The accused allegedly continued assaulting her with the spade, resulting in her death,” said Mahanjana.
She said the father, Sibusiso, is said to have been attacked when trying to intervene during the savage actions.
“The accused allegedly assaulted him with the spade until he died,” she said.
Mahanjana said Shibambu allegedly attacked a taxi driver who also tried to intervene.
“The accused allegedly assaulted the driver with the spade, then he got into the taxi and drove off while dragging the taxi driver. The injured taxi driver was taken to the hospital for medical treatment,” said Mahanjana.
She said Shibambu was apprehended by community members, who then handed him over to the police.
