On 8 October 2025, Kudoos allegedly shot and killed Mahmudel Sajid (38), a barber, at his salon in Summerfield Road, Bayview, Chatsworth. He is then said to have returned home and shot his gardener, Mzikayise Paulos Mabida (54), in the driveway of his Fiona Street, Mobeni Heights residence. Both men were shot in the head in what courts and prosecutors have described as execution-style or “marksman-like” killings. Kudoos was arrested the same day by Bayview police and has been held in custody (reportedly at Westville Prison) ever since after bail was denied.
Recent Court Developments
Kudoos appeared in the Durban Regional Court (the case was transferred from the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court in June 2026) on or around Tuesday 28–29 July 2026 before Magistrate Jadene Fitz Gerald. State prosecutor Sandiso Ngonyama indicated the State is ready for trial and plans to call six witnesses. Kudoos’s new legal representative, Ravindra Maniklall, confirmed financial arrangements for the trial and stated that the only defence witness would be Kudoos himself. There is no plea-and-sentencing agreement; Kudoos intends to plead not guilty to both murder counts. The trial is expected to start in October 2026.
Case Background and Bail Proceedings
- Arrest and early appearances: Kudoos was arrested on the day of the shootings. Early proceedings included a mental fitness assessment; a district surgeon later declared him fit to stand trial. He initially claimed he could not remember the events of 8 October 2025 (including aspects of his arrest) and complained about prison conditions and food that did not align with his religious (Muslim) dietary needs.
- Bail denial (January 2026): In the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate S Chiliza denied bail. The court cited the seriousness of the Schedule 6 offences (each carrying a potential life sentence), the “marksman-like” nature of the head shots, the strength of the State’s prima facie case (including ballistic reports, video analysis, witness statements, and alleged gunshot residue), and the finding that Kudoos is a dangerous person and potential flight risk. Personal circumstances, such as caring for his cancer-diagnosed mother, were not accepted as exceptional circumstances justifying release. Victims’ families and community members had protested outside court opposing bail.
- Kudoos has changed legal representatives during the process. Investigations were reported as finalised by mid-2026, with the matter progressing toward the Regional Court.
Victims and Community Impact
Sajid was described by family and friends as a humble, hardworking shop-owner/barber with family in India (including a wife and children there) and connections in Chatsworth; he was planning a visit after many years when he was killed. There were early community claims of possible mistaken identity (the shooter allegedly asked if the victim was “Mohammed”). Mabida worked part-time as a gardener and left behind children; his family expressed frustration over delays and grief. Both men were breadwinners. The killings shocked the Chatsworth community, prompting protests, calls for justice, and social media controversy (including unsubstantiated claims targeting the accused’s family, which community leaders condemned).
Legal Context and Next Steps
In South African law, murder under Schedule 6 requires the accused to prove exceptional circumstances for bail, a high threshold that was not met here. If convicted, Kudoos faces the prospect of life imprisonment on each count. The State’s case appears to rely on forensic links (firearm, ballistics, residue), video, and witnesses; the defence centres on Kudoos’s account (including claimed memory issues) and his planned testimony.
The coincidence of the trial start with the October anniversary is noted in reporting as a poignant timing for the victims’ families, who have endured multiple postponements and the emotional and financial strain of the process since late 2025. The case remains ongoing; no verdict or further trial details beyond the expected October 2026 start have been publicly reported as of the latest coverage (late July 2026).
This summary draws primarily from contemporaneous South African reporting (IOL/The Post and related local outlets). Court outcomes can change with new evidence or rulings, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
