The Western Cape High Court has sentenced the killers of 31-year-old Christine Gumirah, who was gunned down outside the Wynberg Magistrates Court, to life behind bars. 

This follows the court’s last Thursday conviction of Mandisi Mofu, Lukhanye Meme and Vuminkosi Vumane for her premeditated murder.  

Gumirah was about to be placed in a witness protection programme as a Section 204 witness in a murder case. 

Mofu was found guilty of pulling the trigger on 25 May 2023.  

“Mofu shot Gumirah as she left the court building, accompanied by two other women,” said NPA spokesperson Eric  Ntabazalila.  

Ntabazalila said the State had proven that Mofu texted a taxi driver to drop him at Wynberg Court. Witness testimony and CCTV footage showed how the plan unfolded, from changing car registration plates to Meme signalling the shooter before Gumirah was attacked. 

He was also convicted of the attempted murder of Thandi Viljoen, after a bullet shattered her car window. Mofu received life imprisonment for murder, 12 years for attempted murder, and eight years for firearm offences. His sentences will run concurrently. 

Meme and Vumane, who acted as accomplices by signalling and monitoring the victim, were sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment each. 

Ntabazalila added that the State Advocate on the case, Chandre Smit, stressed that “witnesses and victims of crimes are important to bring about justice and a safe environment for all”. 

“Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Nicolette Bell welcomed the sentence, saying the courts have sent a very clear message that anyone who targets state witnesses will face similar consequences, as the State will use all its resources to ensure that those who engage in such crimes are dealt with harshly by our courts,” said Ntabazalila.

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