Killed during school run: How tender whistleblower was gunned down as alleged hitman remanded
Minenhle Mthembu appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in connection with the 2022 killing of businessman and whistleblower Marumo Eric Phenya in Roodepoort.
Image: Facebook
A businessman who blew the whistle on alleged irregularities involving a multi-million rand Department of Home Affairs tender was shot dead in a hail of bullets moments after dropping his children at school in Roodepoort in 2022.
Nearly four years later, a 30-year-old man accused of conspiring to have him killed has appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
Minenhle Mthembu appeared in court on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, facing a charge of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the death of Marumo Eric Phenya.
Marumo Eric Phenya was gunned down in October 2022 moments after dropping his children at school in Roodepoort, after raising concerns about alleged irregularities in a multi-million rand Department of Home Affairs tender.
Image: IRS Forensic Investigations
Phenya was ambushed and killed on 17 October 2022 shortly after dropping his children off at school. According to the Hawks, he had received threats prior to the fatal shooting.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the deceased and his spouse were warned before the attack.
“Mr Phenya was ambushed and killed in a hail of bullets after he had dropped his children at a school in Roodepoort on 17 October 2022. Prior to his death, the deceased and his spouse received threatening messages warning them that a hit had been taken out on them,” Mogale said.
Mogale said information was received by the Johannesburg Serious Corruption Investigation team that the accused was hiding in Mtubatuba, north of Durban.
“The SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal followed up on the information and the suspect was arrested on 10 February 2026. He made a brief appearance before the Mtubatuba Magistrate’s Court on 12 February 2026 and was later handed over to the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team,” she said.
The matter was postponed to 18 February 2026 to allow Mthembu to secure legal representation.
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