News Desk Reporter
Five accused appeared in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg today as their trial linked to three alleged contract killing plots got underway.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. The case relates to three alleged attempted murder plots involving businessman Joe Sibanyoni and five others, media personality Tebogo Thobejane and three others, and musician DJ Vettys and two others.
The trial follows an investigation launched in December 2024. As the probe progressed, detectives and intelligence officers linked the accused across the three cases through evidence gathered during the investigation.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised members of the Political Killings Task Team and Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations for their work in bringing the matter to trial.
“The commencement of this trial is the result of months of meticulous investigations, intelligence-driven operations and evidence gathering by members who refused to give up until those responsible were brought before the courts,” she said.
Dimpane said investigators had built a strong case, supported by evidence collected during the investigation.
“Our investigators have collected overwhelming evidence that exposes the role played by each accused. This evidence will be presented before court, and we are confident that the truth will emerge during the trial.”
Police have recovered two firearms believed to be linked to the attacks on Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys. Ballistic and forensic evidence will also form part of the State’s case.
Dimpane said the trial should send a strong warning to those involved in organised violent crime.
“This is a clear message to anyone who plans and executes contract killings: SAPS will pursue you relentlessly. We will use every available resource, every investigative tool and every intelligence capability at our disposal to ensure that criminal syndicates are dismantled and that those responsible are removed from society for a very long time.”
She said the victims and their families deserved justice. Dimpane also expressed confidence in the investigators and said police remained committed to ensuring accountability through the court process.