GQEBERHA – A hefty sentence was handed down to Siphelele Ntisana (30) by the Gqeberha High Court on Thursday, 25 June, for his role in a fatal shooting spree which claimed two lives and left three injured victims in KwaDwesi during December 2024.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed the conviction and sentence of Ntisana, who is also known as “Hupa”.

According to a statement by SAPS, the court heard that on 22 December 2024 at the Westville Shacks in KwaDwesi, Ntisana, an armed accomplice entered a shack containing five men. Once Ntisana confirmed that all five were targets, the accomplice opened fire.

Two victims, Bulelani Peter and Siyabulela Plaatjies, died at the scene. The other three men survived with serious injuries after pretending to be dead.

The injured victims were taken to the Livingstone Hospital for medical treatment. They later gave statements, which provided crucial information to the investigators.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Wright, an investigating officer at the Serious Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) Unit in Gqeberha, traced and arrested Ntisana, who subsequently abandoned his bail application on account of the overwhelming evidence.

Investigations established that the motive for the attack stemmed from Ntisana’s belief that Peter had previously robbed him. He then hired a hitman, identified as Lisakhanya.

Lisakhanya was later murdered in an unrelated shooting incident in Motherwell during January 2025.

Ntisana’s sentencing

The court sentenced Ntisana as follows:

• Two counts of murder: Life imprisonment each.
• Three counts of attempted murder: Life imprisonment each.
• Two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances: 15 years’ imprisonment each.
• One count of attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances: 15 years’ imprisonment.
• One count of unlawful possession of a firearm: 15 years’ imprisonment.
• One count of unlawful possession of ammunition: Five years’ imprisonment.
• One count of possession of a firearm with the intent to commit an offence: 15 years’ imprisonment.

The court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm. All sentences will run concurrently.

Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, Acting District Commissioner of the Nelson Mandela Bay District, commended the investigating team for their dedication and perseverance in ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

“This sentence sends a strong message that violent crime and senseless acts of murder will not go unpunished. The commitment and professionalism displayed by our Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit ensured that a dangerous offender was brought before the courts to answer for his actions. We remain steadfast in our resolve to protect our communities and to ensure that those responsible for violent crime are held fully accountable,” said Ngalo.

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