GQEBERHA – Siphelele Ntisana (30), also known as “Hupa”, was given multiple life sentences for double murder.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain André Beetge, SAPS has welcomed the conviction handed down 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 court heard that on 22 December 2024 at Westville Shacks in KwaDwesi, Ntisana and an armed accomplice entered a shack containing five men. Once Ntisana confirmed that all five people were the targets, the accomplice opened fire,” he said. “The two victims, Bulelani Peter and Siyabulela Plaatjies, died at the scene. Three other men survived with serious injuries by pretending to be dead.”

Beetge added that the injured victims were taken to the Livingstone Hospital for medical treatment. “The three victims later provided statements, which provided crucial information to the investigators.”

“The investigating officer at the Serious Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) Unit in Gqeberha, Detective Sergeant Nigel Wright, traced and nabbed Ntisana, who subsequently abandoned his bail application due to overwhelming evidence.”

He added that investigations established that the motive for the attack stemmed from Ntisana’s belief that Bulelani Peter had previously robbed him. “He then hired a hitman, who was identified as Lisakhanya, who was later murdered in an unrelated shooting incident in Motherwell during January 2025.”

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: 5 years’ imprisonment; and
• One count of possession of a firearm with the intent to commit an offence: 15 years’ imprisonment.

Beetge stated that the court further declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm, and that all sentences will run concurrently.

The Acting District Commissioner of Nelson Mandela Bay District, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, 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,” she said. “We remain steadfast in our resolve to protect our communities and to ensure that those responsible for violent crime are held fully accountable,” Ngalo concluded.

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