The Attempted Murder Trial of Lawyer Coreth Naudé

What Happened?

The Ambush in Umhlanga

On July 18, 2024, lawyer Coreth Naudé SC and her colleague Rianda Chinnera were finishing a tax investigation for the South African Revenue Service (SARS). They had been looking into the finances of Andile Mpisane, the son of well‑known businesswoman Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize. After the investigation ended, the two lawyers drove to the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga to rest.

As they arrived, gunmen opened fire on them. Chinnera managed to run to the parking lot, but Naudé was shot in the neck, face, and shoulder. She escaped to the parking lot where a doctor helped her before she was taken to hospital. She later needed reconstructive surgery on her jaw.

Who Are the Accused?

The Three Defendants

The state says three men were involved:

• Siyanda Emmanuel Mbulwana
• Mcebisi Corlen Runeyi
• Kholwani Prayman Ntanjana (allegedly the person who paid the gunmen)

According to prosecutors, Ntanjana hired Mbulwana and Runeyi to carry out the attack.

Why the Trial Was Delayed

Scheduling Conflicts

Prosecutor Denardo Macdonald told the Durban High Court that the prosecution was ready to resume the trial on January 18, 2027. However, Simphiwe Mlotshwa, the lawyer for Ntanjana, said he would not be available then.

The court agreed to push the start date to February 22, 2027.

Bail Requests and Court Decisions

Ntanjana’s Bail Application

Ntanjana wants to apply for bail based on “new facts.” His earlier bail request was denied by the Durban Magistrate’s Court because:

• There were inconsistencies in his statements about where he was and his finances.
• He had eight previous criminal charges (including murder and car theft) that were withdrawn without clear explanation.

What the Judges Said

Acting Judge S. Takchund dismissed Ntanjana’s appeal, saying:

• The withdrawn charges are still relevant because witnesses were afraid to testify.
• Releasing him on bail could risk witness tampering or evidence interference.
• The magistrate considered his personal circumstances properly.

Judge President Thoba Poyo‑Dlwati reminded the defense that any bail application must be made in the magistrate court, not the Supreme Court.

What Comes Next?

Trial Date Set

The trial is now scheduled to begin on February 22, 2027, in the Durban High Court. Both sides will present evidence, and the court will decide whether the three men are guilty of attempted murder.

Conclusion

This case shows how a routine tax investigation can turn into a violent crime. The lawyers involved were doing their job when they were attacked. The legal process is moving forward, with a trial date set and bail arguments being heard. As the trial approaches, more details will emerge about what really happened on that July day in Umhlanga.