Ximbazimani Flips on Co-Accused in High Court — Prosecutors Now Hold a Devastating New Weapon

Dramatic developments have emerged at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria after accused man Lungelo Ximbazimani reportedly agreed to become a state witness in a criminal case involving his former associates.

During Tuesday’s court proceedings, Ximbazimani reportedly moved from the defence side of the courtroom and took a seat alongside the prosecution team. His unexpected decision attracted attention from people following the case, with several observers reportedly surprised by the development.

Ximbazimani has entered into a Section 204 agreement under South Africa’s Criminal Procedure Act. This arrangement allows an accused person to receive immunity from prosecution for an offence if they provide truthful and satisfactory evidence against other accused individuals.

Sources familiar with the case claim that Ximbazimani possesses important information about alleged planning meetings, communications between key individuals and the events surrounding the crimes under investigation.

His expected testimony could potentially strengthen the prosecution’s case and create serious difficulties for the remaining accused, who had previously maintained their defence against the allegations.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that an arrangement had been reached with Ximbazimani but did not reveal the full details of the evidence he is expected to provide.

Following the announcement, lawyers representing the other three accused requested an urgent postponement. Their lead counsel, Advocate Danie Ferreira, argued that the unexpected development had significantly changed the circumstances of the case and that his clients needed additional time to reconsider their legal strategies.

The presiding judge granted a two-week postponement, with the matter scheduled to resume on 29 July 2025.

The case involves allegations of organised criminal activities, unlawful possession of firearms and two counts of premeditated murder. The alleged offences are linked to incidents that took place in Mamelodi East during late 2023.

Investigators from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation reportedly spent approximately 14 months collecting evidence, including digital communications, ballistic reports and witness statements, before the prosecution proceeded with the case.

Ximbazimani had previously appeared in court alongside his co-accused and maintained his not-guilty position during earlier proceedings.

His decision to cooperate with prosecutors now represents a significant development that could influence how the remaining accused defend themselves.

However, his evidence will still have to withstand scrutiny and cross-examination in court before its credibility and value can be established.

The major question surrounding the case is what information Ximbazimani will reveal under oath and whether his testimony will expose further details about the alleged criminal activities and the involvement of other individuals.

The remaining accused have not been convicted, and the allegations against them must still be proven in court.

https://x.com/i/status/2120889016299987073

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