Romeo Moshe Shibambu was denied bail for murdering a family and injuring a taxi driver with a spade. Image by Pixels
(The Post News)– The Temba Magistrate’s Court in Hammanskraal has denied bail to 37-year-old Romeo Moshe Shibambu from Gauteng, who is suspected of using a garden spade to ruthlessly kill a three-year-old boy and his parents.
Shibambu, a resident of Suurman, was charged with three murders, two attempted murders, and one case of malicious property damage when he appeared in court on Thursday. The case has been rescheduled for further investigation on November 27, 2025.
Spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lumka Mahanjana, said the horrific incident started on September 28, 2025, when Shibambu’s sister went to his house and saw a spade close by. He allegedly informed her that he “felt like fighting” and that he “would win the fight” when she questioned him about it.
He allegedly used the same spade to strike his sister moments later, causing her to run for her life. Meanwhile, three days later, Shibambu allegedly went on with a second attack, which resulted in three deaths and two injuries. He was spotted carrying the identical spade to a nearby store to demand R350 from the owners. On his way, he allegedly hit three-year-old Kelebogile Neo Gift Baloyi to death while he was playing with some kids outside a neighbour’s house.
Shibambu Allegedly Murdered Baloyi’s Parents
While Rose Baloyi, 33, the child’s mother, was also beaten and killed when she attempted to step in and get assistance, Sibusiso Langatshe Baloyi, her husband, was allegedly killed shortly after he hurried to protect his family.
When the neighborhood began to fear, a taxi driver courageously tried to stop Shibambu. He was hurt in the confusion and attacked as well. After that, Shibambu allegedly took control of the taxi and pulled the injured driver until it stopped, according to Mahanjana. Shortly thereafter, the accused was captured by locals and turned over to the police, while the taxi driver was brought to the hospital for medical attention.
Shibambu represented himself in court and asked for bail, arguing that he needed time to get ready for his trial. Prosecutor Sharon Nkandimeng, however, argued against the application, citing testimony from Serious and Violent Crime Unit Constable Phalane, who characterized Shibambu as a danger to himself and the community in addition to a flight risk.
In his testimony, Constable Phalane said that the accused had suicidal intentions and that his “job was done,” according to Mahanjana. Considering the seriousness of the crimes, the danger to public safety, and the necessity to safeguard the community, the presiding magistrate decided that Shibambu’s release would not be in the interests of justice.
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