Kholwani Prayman Ntanjana, accused of masterminding the violent shooting of Advocate Coreth Naudé SC, is currently challenging the Durban Magistrate Court’s refusal to grant him bail. At the time of the attack, Naudé was investigating tax matters involving Andile Mpisane, the son of the well-known and often controversial entrepreneur Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize.

Ntanjana, who was apprehended in late 2025, had his bail application denied by Magistrate Quim de Freitas in November 2025. The shooting incident took place on July 17, 2024, outside the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga.

Advocate Naudé was ambushed while traveling alongside attorney Rianda Chinnera. Although Chinnera escaped unharmed, Naudé sustained gunshot wounds to the neck, face, and shoulder, requiring complex reconstructive surgery on his jaw.

During the bail hearing, Magistrate Quim de Freitas expressed serious reservations, particularly noting the unexplained withdrawal of eight prior charges against Ntanjana, which included serious offenses such as murder and carjacking.

The magistrate remarked, “It is highly unusual for a law-abiding individual to be linked repeatedly to violent crimes such as murder and carjacking. This pattern suggests a troubling inclination towards criminal activity.”

Advocate Simphiwe Mlotshwa, representing Ntanjana, argued that justice would be better served by granting bail to his client.

Mlotshwa contended that the magistrate improperly weighed evidence related to the dismissed charges and urged that the bail refusal be overturned with conditions imposed on Ntanjana’s release.

“The magistrate overlooked critical evidence, including the absence of an active case against Ntanjana, his credible alibi, and bank records supporting his account. Additionally, his personal circumstances were not adequately considered,” Mlotshwa stated.

The defense further maintained that the prosecution lacks sufficient proof to convict Ntanjana, asserting that the magistrate prematurely accepted the State’s case as conclusive.

On the other hand, Senior State prosecutor Advocate Dernado MacDonald argued that Ntanjana failed to demonstrate that his release would align with the interests of justice. MacDonald highlighted that Ntanjana’s explanations were unconvincing and pointed out his lack of stable employment and connections across multiple provinces, complicating efforts to monitor his whereabouts.

“There is a significant risk that Ntanjana might flee, and the potential threat to witnesses is substantial, factors the court must weigh carefully,” MacDonald emphasized.

MacDonald also noted that Ntanjana has access to the case docket, as the matter is now before the Durban High Court, and is likely aware of witness identities. He was reportedly evasive when providing his residential addresses and does not possess fixed assets.

“At the time of his arrest, Ntanjana was found driving a BMW 530D, yet he has failed to clarify how he came into possession of this vehicle,” court documents reveal.

The prosecutor underscored that Advocate Naudé SC was performing official duties on behalf of the state when attacked, and releasing Ntanjana could jeopardize her safety, as she remains easily traceable.

Invoking Section 60(4) of the Criminal Procedure Act, MacDonald argued that bail should be denied when there is a credible risk that the accused might endanger public safety, intimidate witnesses, or disrupt the judicial process.

The date for the appeal hearing has yet to be announced.

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