Accused deny all charges
The trial of two men accused of killing Bushbuckridge chief traffic officer Judas Lens Chiloane has begun in the High Court in Mbombela. Charles Mbongiseni Mabuza, 36, and Saico Junior Ngoma, 46, have pleaded not guilty to every charge brought against them.
The case relates to the death of Chiloane during an alleged robbery in White River, Mpumalanga, on 11 March 2023. The proceedings are being heard more than three years after the incident, with the state now presenting its evidence-in-chief. The trial is expected to run until 13 November.
State outlines alleged roadside attack
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, the state alleges that the accused approached a vehicle occupied by Chiloane and another person. The vehicle was parked beside Kranskop Road when the alleged attack took place.
The prosecution’s case is that the occupants were instructed to drive to an area covered by bush. The state alleges that the men then demanded money from the occupants. After learning that Chiloane worked as a traffic official, they allegedly demanded his service firearm.
The state further alleges that Chiloane was shot before the attackers left with several items. These are said to have included a cellphone, money, a laptop and the firearm. Chiloane was declared dead at the scene, while the other occupant survived the incident.
Charges before the court
Mabuza and Ngoma face a series of charges arising from the alleged events. The charges include conspiracy to commit robbery and murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and murder. They also face allegations relating to the possession of a firearm or imitation firearm for the purpose of committing a crime.
The remaining firearm-related charges concern the alleged possession of a prohibited firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition. The accused’s not-guilty pleas mean the state must present evidence to prove its case, while the defence will have an opportunity to challenge that evidence during the trial.
| Case detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Court | High Court in Mbombela |
| Deceased | Judas Lens Chiloane |
| Accused | Charles Mbongiseni Mabuza and Saico Junior Ngoma |
| Location of alleged incident | Kranskop Road, White River |
| Trial period | Until 13 November |
Proceedings remain under way
Nyuswa said both accused remain in custody while the state leads evidence. At this stage, the court is hearing the prosecution’s case and no finding of guilt has been made against either man.
The charges cover both the alleged killing and the alleged taking of property and firearms. They also address the alleged planning of the robbery and the possession of ammunition. The final outcome will depend on the evidence placed before the court and the findings made by the court after the proceedings.
Why the case matters locally
Chiloane’s death involved an official responsible for traffic duties in Bushbuckridge and allegedly occurred while he was travelling in the White River area. The allegations therefore bring together concerns about the safety of public officials, roadside crime and the unlawful use of firearms.
The items allegedly taken from the vehicle included a service firearm, making the firearm-related counts a significant part of the prosecution. The case also involves a surviving occupant whose account forms part of the circumstances set out by the state, although the court must still assess all evidence presented during the trial.
For now, the proceedings remain at the evidence stage. The state is expected to continue presenting its case in the Mbombela High Court until the scheduled end of the trial on 13 November. The accused remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until the court finds otherwise.
- The two accused have pleaded not guilty.
- The state alleges Chiloane was killed during a robbery near Kranskop Road in White River.
- The case includes murder, robbery and several firearm-related charges.
