On September 24, 2026, the Rustenburg Magistrate's Court delivered a verdict in the case of Onke Bongo, 31, and Gift Mhlanga, 29, who were accused of murdering Wilma and George Koster. The court found the two men not guilty of murder, but they were convicted of defeating the course of justice by fleeing the scene of the crime. According to Lindiwe Mabasa, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the court sentenced Bongo and Mhlanga to five years in prison, which was suspended for a period of five years.
The case drew widespread attention in South Africa after Bongo and Mhlanga allegedly shot and killed the Kosters in the parking area of the Platinum Square shopping center in Rustenburg. According to reports, the two men stopped their white Kia vehicle next to the Kosters, got out, and a scuffle ensued. Bongo allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot George Koster, and when Wilma tried to intervene, she was also shot and killed.
During the trial, Bongo claimed that he had acted in self-defense, stating that George Koster had attacked him with a knobkerrie and then retrieved a firearm from his vehicle. Bongo claimed that he feared for his life and shot Koster in self-defense. He also claimed that Wilma had exited the vehicle and pointed a firearm at him, prompting him to shoot her as well. However, testimony from the investigating officer, Lieutenant Colonel Patric Murunwa, contradicted Bongo's account.
Murunwa testified that Bongo had pulled out a firearm and shot George Koster without provocation, and that Wilma had exited the vehicle with a knobkerrie and smashed the window of the defendants' vehicle before being shot by Bongo. Murunwa emphasized that the victims did not possess a firearm and posed no threat to the defendants. The court ultimately accepted Bongo's self-defense claim, but convicted him and Mhlanga of defeating the course of justice.
The NPA has not ruled out appealing the verdict and sentence, but Mabasa stated that a decision on whether to appeal will be made after the full judgment is obtained. The case has sparked debate in South Africa, with many questioning the court's decision to acquit the two men of murder charges. The victims' family and friends expressed disappointment and outrage at the verdict.
The Rustenburg shooting case has raised concerns about gun violence and self-defense claims in South Africa. According to statistics, gun violence is a significant problem in the country, with thousands of people killed or injured in gun-related incidents every year. The case has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and education about gun laws and self-defense claims.
The acquittal of Bongo and Mhlanga has sparked a national conversation about justice and accountability in South Africa. While some have welcomed the court's decision, others have expressed concerns that it may set a dangerous precedent. As the country continues to grapple with high levels of violence and crime, the case has highlighted the need for a more nuanced and informed discussion about the complex issues surrounding gun violence and self-defense.
Key points
- The court found Onke Bongo and Gift Mhlanga not guilty of murder, but convicted them of defeating the course of justice.
- The two men were sentenced to five years in prison, which was suspended for a period of five years.
- The National Prosecuting Authority has not ruled out appealing the verdict and sentence.
