After nearly two years under the weight of a murder charge, Ismaeel Dhalech and Ebrahim Adams have been acquitted of the December 2022 killing of Khulekani Hlatshwayo, bringing a closely watched and divisive case in Newcastle to a conclusion.
The ruling, delivered in the Newcastle Regional Court on Friday, 24 April 2026, marks a legal turning point in a matter that has drawn public scrutiny since the men’s arrest in September 2024.
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Earlier that morning, family members and supporters filed quietly into the courtroom, filling the benches as a subdued yet tense atmosphere took hold.
Anticipation was evident as they awaited Magistrate Sibisi’s judgement in a case linked to Dhalech and Adams’ arrest on 23 September 2024, when they were taken into custody alongside their former co-accused, Mahomed Ashraf and Yaseen Mohamed, both of whom were acquitted of all charges in November 2025.
In delivering her judgement, Magistrate Sibisi outlined the basis upon which the accused had been brought before court, recounting how Hlatshwayo had been severely assaulted in December 2022, sustaining injuries that ultimately led to his death.
Dhalech, Adams, Ashraf and Mohamed were subsequently implicated in connection with the incident.
“The onus relied on the State prosecution to prove the accused guilty beyond all reasonable doubt. The onus lies not with the accused to prove their innocence,” she stated.
She further explained that, following a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence and careful consideration of witness testimony, the State had failed to discharge this burden. This conclusion, she noted, was compounded by shortcomings in the investigation conducted by the South African Police Service.
Taking these factors into account, Magistrate Sibisi said;
“Mr Dhalech and Mr Adams, you have been found not guilty. You may now step down.”
The reaction inside the courtroom was immediate, with a discernible easing of tension among those in attendance.
Outside, Dhalech embraced his wife as friends and relatives gathered nearby, quietly acknowledging the outcome.
Speaking to Newcastillian News shortly afterwards, Dhaleech explained, “This is a huge relief for us, and our families, as this has been an extremely difficult time for us all. We just want to thank those who believed in us, and stood by our side, during this time”.
Furthermore, Dhalech and Adam’s Legal Team, Zubair Chothia and his team issued the following statement:
“While this outcome brings relief, the impact of these proceedings on their lives and families has been profound. They have always maintained their innocence, and this judgment confirms this. Our clients are currently considering their legal position and reserves their rights to take further action where appropriate.”
As the men now turn to rebuilding their lives after a prolonged period of uncertainty, the origins of the case remain central to understanding its trajectory.
Dhalech, Adams, Ashraf and Mohamed were arrested on 23 September 2024 in connection with the death of Hlatshwayo, who had been assaulted on 25 December 2022 after reportedly being found on a resident’s roof in Paradise.
While numerous community members were alleged to have participated in the assault, the four accused — all affiliated with the Newcastle Community Police Forum — were charged with the murder.
At the time, Newcastle SAPS spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam confirmed that emergency services had responded to a call in Bird Street on 25 December 2022, where a 26-year-old man was discovered severely beaten and lying naked in an open field.
She stated that the victim, later identified by his mother, had sustained critical injuries and died while being transported to hospital from the Newcastle Police Station.
Arumugam also outlined the early challenges faced by investigators:
“Despite a thorough investigation led by Warrant Officer Henning De Meyer, no clear leads initially emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.”
However, as the trial progressed, the prosecution’s case came under sustained scrutiny due to a series of inconsistencies.
Witnesses alleged that the investigating officer had altered their statements, while others conceded under oath that their initial testimonies had not been entirely truthful.
In certain instances, this was attributed to personal grievances, including claims that Dhaleech had previously arrested a close family member on charges of kidnapping, assault and drug-related offences.
Ultimately, the acquittal brings to an end proceedings that, from the outset, were shaped by contested evidence and ongoing concerns regarding investigative processes.
From the arrests in September 2024, through bail hearings and witness testimony, to the eventual erosion of key aspects of the State’s argument under cross-examination, the case consistently revealed weaknesses that undermined its foundation.
These included conflicting accounts, allegations of interference with statements and broader concerns raised by the defence about how evidence was obtained and presented.
In this context, Friday’s judgement not only clears the accused of criminal liability, but also reinforces a central tenet of the justice system — that the burden of proof rests squarely with the State.
As emphasised throughout proceedings, the issue was not the gravity of the offence, but whether credible and reliable evidence could conclusively establish responsibility.
With that threshold ultimately not met, the ruling draws a line under a prolonged and closely scrutinised matter, while prompting wider reflection on accountability, investigative standards and the complexities associated with prosecuting cases arising from incidents of mob violence.
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