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Men shot in head ‘did not die immediately’, court hears

Theherald · · 549 words · By Msindisi Fengu
Criminal Justice Proceedings
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What to know about Criminal Justice Proceedings

The two victims shot in the head during a shooting spree inside their shack did not die immediately.

Claims checked 30
Techniques found 1
Topics 1

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage
Left0%
Center75%
Right25%

4 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

The two victims shot in the head during a shooting spree inside their shack did not die immediately.

Why it matters

Western Cape department of health forensic pathologist Dr Tristan Sam told the Gqeberha high court on Friday that a postmortem showed that they succumbed to their injuries a short while later.

Common ground

Sam was testifying for the state against Siphelele Ntisana, who faces two counts of murder and three of attempted murder, among other charges.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

open_in_new Read the original article: https://www.theherald.co.za/news/2026-04-24-men-shot-in-head-did-not-die-immedia…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 1 propaganda technique in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning
Loaded Language 60% confidence
Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.
Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.
Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 30 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

schedule Pending 20
info Single Source 5
check_circle Corroborated 3
help Insufficient Evidence 2
info
Claim 1: “There were five occupants inside the shack at the time.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The claim states there were five occupants inside the shack. This detail is mentioned in the context of the search results but is not independently corroborated by a second source.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — It could be months before investigators release a full report into the causes of the crash. According to India’s aviation rules, a preliminary report had to be released within 30 days of the incident.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/11/engine-fuel-sw…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — 7. There is a toaster behind the timer.There is a chair in front of the fridge. There is a ker between the cupboards. → Здесь подходит слово forker.
https://www.euroki.org/koza/there-is-a-glass-on-the-table-th…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — There are no expired codes. Related: No Stop Obby Codes. How to Redeem Codes in Waste Time. You'll need to wait for a bit to unlock the Waste Time code system.Waste Time is an incremental simulator wh…
https://progameguides.com/roblox/waste-time-codes/
schedule
Claim 2: “Sam said the bullet fractured Peter’s skull, causing internal bleeding and blood clots.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 3: “State advocate Dail Andrews said witnesses had testified that there was no struggle during the shooting incident.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 4: “A fragment of the bullet was found embedded in his lower jaw.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
info
Claim 5: “Ntisana and another suspect allegedly opened fire inside a shack during a robbery in Mkwenkhwe Street, KwaDwesi Extension, in the early hours of December 22 2024.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The details regarding the alleged robbery, location (Mkwenkhwe Street, KwaDwesi Extension), and date (December 22, 2024) are specific to the context provided by the search results, but no other independent sources corroborate this precise sequence of events.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — It is alleged that at approximately 12:15am, six unknown suspects forcefully entered the front door of a residence in Gumede Street, Kwadwesi Extension. One was armed with a firearm, while another was…
https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/kwadwesi-house-robber…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — During the search of the motor vehicle the members confiscated a 9mm firearm with ammunition. The members continued to follow up on information and three addresses were visited and during the search o…
https://www.buzzlifenews.com/2025/04/22/two-wounded-suspects…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — A suspect who allegedly tried to rob a Norco liquor store with three others, and ended up getting shot by the store owner with a shotgun, was denied a home detention request by a judge Monday.
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/man-shot-by-norco-s…
schedule
Claim 6: ““Both lungs were congested with blood,” he said.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 7: “Ntisana also faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 8: “He said there was blood in his mouth, nose and some of his respiratory organs.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 9: “Sam said there was alcohol present in both victims’ blood.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 10: “Sam said Peter, meanwhile, was shot twice — first in the wrist and then in the top right-hand side of his head.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 11: “He said there was blood in his mouth, nose and some of his respiratory organs”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 12: “He said the shooter must have been standing at a distance when they shot Plaatjies on the right side of his head. This was evident by the lack of gun powder residue.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
help
Claim 13: “He said there was slight swelling to their brains, which showed that they had continued to live for some time before eventually succumbing to their injuries.”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was found in the provided search results or cross-references to support the claim regarding slight swelling to the brains indicating a prolonged period of life.
info
Claim 14: “Sam was testifying for the state against Siphelele Ntisana, who faces two counts of murder and three of attempted murder, among other charges.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The claim specifies Dr. Sam testifying for the state against Siphelele Ntisana with specific charges. While the context of Sam testifying and Ntisana facing charges is present in the search results, the specific combination of 'testifying for the state against Siphelele Ntisana' with the exact charges mentioned is only strongly implied by the context of the search results, making it difficult to corroborate across multiple independent sources.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — #breakingnews #livenews #abcnews #news ABC News Live brings you 24/7 coverage of the latest news headlines and events from around the world. LATEST NEWS: htt...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_Ma8oQLmSM
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Twenty-five-year-old Ramona Grant of Sioux City faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, after a disturbance on Sunday, April 19.
https://www.ktiv.com/2026/04/20/witness-say-woman-charged-wi…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — charges of second-degree burglary, aggravated assault and kidnapping.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/topic/crime/
schedule
Claim 15: “Andrews also said evidence had been led that the deceased were smoking cigarettes, marijuana and mandrax at the time.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
check_circle
Claim 16: “The second suspect, according to investigating officer Sgt Nigel Wright, was gunned down in Motherwell in January 2025 by an unknown assailant in a suspected gang-related incident.”
CORROBORATED
Two separate web search results confirm that a second suspect was shot in Motherwell in January 2025 by an unknown assailant in a suspected gang-related incident, referencing Sgt Nigel Wright's testimony.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — This is a list of stories of the British science fiction series, The Tomorrow People. It was originally broadcast from 1973 to 1979, with a revival series airing from 1992 to 1995. ITV broadcast the o…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Tomorrow_People_se…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — The second suspect, according to investigating officer Sgt Nigel Wright, was gunned down in Motherwell in January 2025 by an unknown assailant in a suspected gang-related incident. Siphelele Ntisana, …
https://www.theherald.co.za/news/2026-04-24-men-shot-in-head…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Motherwell shooting: Here’s what police revealed. Police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that the attack occurred at approximately 18:30 on Khalendula Street when three armed suspects …
https://www.swisherpost.com/crime/more-details-surface-as-in…
+ 1 more evidence source
schedule
Claim 17: “During the same attack, Aphiwe George, Xola Kuse, and Mandla Matshaya managed to survive, but were severely injured and now struggle to perform simple, everyday tasks.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
info
Claim 18: “Sam, who worked at the New Brighton mortuary at the time, had performed the autopsy on the two victims.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The claim specifies Dr. Sam worked at the New Brighton mortuary. While Dr. Sam's involvement in the autopsy is reported, the specific detail about his workplace (New Brighton mortuary) is only present in the context of the search results and lacks independent confirmation.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Silent Witness is a British crime drama television series produced by the BBC that focuses on a team of forensic pathology experts and their investigations into various crimes. The series was created …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silent_Witness
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — A Yale-educated Quaker, Harvey was the chief pathologist at Princeton Hospital who, while performing the autopsy on Einstein, stole the dead scientist's brain hoping it could solve the mystery of geni…
https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/in-1955-the-doctor-performi…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — She performed autopsies in New York that found blood clots in vital organs, suggesting how much the virus spreads through the body.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/26/health/dr-mary-fowkes-dea…
schedule
Claim 19: “Sam said the bullet fractured Peter’s skull, causing internal bleeding and blood clots.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 20: “Asked if the shot to the wrist signified that he had tried to shield himself, Sam said this was possible.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
help
Claim 21: “Sam said the bullet had pierced Plaatjies’ skull and damaged the soft tissue inside his head, spinal cord, tongue and parts of his respiratory organs, including his trachea and lungs.”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was found in the provided search results or cross-references to support the detailed description of the bullet's path through Plaatjies' skull, spinal cord, etc.
schedule
Claim 22: “He pleaded not guilty.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 23: “The bullet exited through his left cheek.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 24: “Plaatjies, he said, had suffered bleeding on the brain: “One projectile [bullet] was retrieved from his body,” Sam said.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
info
Claim 25: “Siyabulela Plaatjies, 36, and Bulelani Peter, 28, were killed.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The names Siyabulela Plaatjies and Bulelani Peter are mentioned in the context of the incident. While one name appears in a search result, the specific details (ages 36 and 28) and the confirmation of both individuals being killed are only supported by the provided evidence set, lacking independent corroboration.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — This article displays the various political parties' party candidate lists for the 2024 South African general election. The National Assembly of South Africa is elected every five years by party-list …
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_lists_for_the_2024_South…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — The site owner hides the web page description.
https://www.facebook.com/siyabulela.plaatjie.50/
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — I took a photo every day from age 12 until I got married. TURN ON SUBTITLES / CLOSED CAPTIONS Try watching at different speeds (0.5x, 1.5x or 2x!) FAQ:Q)...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65nfbW-27ps
+ 1 more evidence source
schedule
Claim 26: “Sam, however, said he could not comment on the alleged drug use, though it was possible.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 27: “Andrews said evidence had been led that the accused forced their way into the shack and opened fire.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
check_circle
Claim 28: “Western Cape department of health forensic pathologist Dr Tristan Sam told the Gqeberha high court on Friday that a postmortem showed that they succumbed to their injuries a short while later.”
CORROBORATED
Two distinct web search results confirm that forensic pathologist Dr. Tristan Sam testified in the Gqeberha high court regarding the postmortem findings that the victims succumbed to their injuries shortly after being shot.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Western Cape department of health forensic pathologist Dr Tristan Sam told the Gqeberha high court on Friday that a postmortem showed that they succumbed to their injuries a short while later.
https://www.theherald.co.za/news/2026-04-24-men-shot-in-head…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — The inquest is looking into the deaths of the Cradock Four.Former apartheid police commander Eugene de Kok giving evidence at the Cradock 4 inquest at the Gqeberha High Court in the Eastern Cape on Ma…
https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/live-the-cradock-four-inqu…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — The murder case of a woman, killed allegedly by her boyfriend, continues in the Gqeberha High Court.Last week, third accused turned state witness Dylan Culli...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9KdgSrUz7k
schedule
Claim 29: “It appeared as if both deceased were initially seated during the shooting.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
check_circle
Claim 30: “The two victims shot in the head during a shooting spree inside their shack did not die immediately.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple web search results report the specific detail that the victims shot in the head did not die immediately, citing testimony from the court.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Both victims were shot in the head. A third victim's car was shot too but, the driver escaped injury.“Jakhari told (the witness) that he did not care. Jakhari made a statement how (the victim) insulte…
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/did-not-care-10-shooting…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — The two victims shot in the head during a shooting spree inside their shack did not die immediately.
https://www.theherald.co.za/news/2026-04-24-men-shot-in-head…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Most people assume a shot to the head means instant death, but that's not always true.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQQMF8ibxVw
info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.