KARIEGA – Seven months after the alleged rape and brutal double murder of two KwaNobuhle high school learners, Sinothando Malinga (19) and Ibanathi Peter (17), the matter was transferred to the Gqeberha High Court.
In a heavily guarded courtroom, four out of eight suspects, Akhululwe Pungulwa (28), Anele Ngalo (27), Siphosethu Gomomo (21) and Zubenathi Dyakumeni (26) briefly appeared at the Kariega Magistrate’s Court today, 12 March 2026.
SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed, “The other four suspects aged between 16 and 18, who were taken in for questioning, have since been released.”
All four accused chose to be represented by Legal Aid and all waived their right to apply for bail.
It came to light in a previous court appearance that two of the four accused have no prior convictions or pending cases. However, Pungulwa was previously convicted of housebreaking and sentenced to five years in 2012. He was also arrested for assault and gender-based violence but was released on warning in 2023. Gomomo had no prior convictions but is currently out on bail for a pending case.
Speaking to UD Express, community leader Thamsanqa Nkevu shared that he welcomes the matter being moved from the Kariega Magistrate’s Court to the Gqeberha High Court.
“Moving the case to the Gqeberha High Court is an indication that the matter is being taken seriously,” he said while expressing his concern about why the other four, presumed to be minors at the time, were not in the dock today with their co-accused.
@ecexpressnews Community reaction after the KwaNobuhle double murder case involving two learners Sinothando Malinga (19) and Ibanathi Peter (17) was transferred to the Gqeberha High Court. UD Express asked a KwaNobuhle community leader, Thamsanqa Nkevu how he feels about the case now moving to the High Court. The accused remain in custody. #UDExpress #KwaNobuhle #EasternCapeNews #CourtUpdate #JusticeForIbanathi #JusticeForSinothando #UDExpress ♬ original sound – PE Express
The presiding magistrate shared in court today that the State made an application of an indictment, which was presented in court and given to the defence attorneys of the accused.
She explained that an indictment is a document which contains a notice of trial, a summary of the substantial facts of the case and a list of names and addresses of the witnesses.
The matter was remanded for pre-trial date finalisation on 15 April at the Gqeberha High Court. The accused all remain in custody.
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