Pirates brushed aside the Congolese outfit with goals from Mpho Makola and captain Oupa Manyisa to move into top spot of Group B with 12 points from five games.
The home side got proceeding underway at the Orlando Stadium and should have grabbed the opener in the fifth minute, but Gabuza was unable to get onto the end of Erasmus cross.
Leopards then saw themselves with a great opportunity four minutes later, but Felipe Ovono was equal to the task and tipped an effort from close range over his cross bar.
Pirates went into the half-time break the happier of the two sides after endiring a nervy start, as Leopards failed to threaten Ovono after the opening goal.
Two chances withing the first 10 minutes of the second half should have seen Pirates go three goals up, but Gabuza and Jele were both unfortunate not to find the back of the net.
Tinkler then replaced the industrious Erasmus with the fresh legs of Lehlohonolo Majoro, who became provider for Manyisa' 87th minute goal, which sealed the match for the Buccaneers.
The result sees Pirates go three points ahead of Zamalek, who have a game in hand against CS Sfaxien on Sunday.
Line-ups:
Pirates XI: Ovono, Jele, Mahamutsa, Sangweni, Gcaba, Makola, Sarr, Manyisa, Myeni (Rakhale 86'), Gabuza (Ntshumayelo 82'), Erasmus (Majoro 74')
Subs: Motupa, Rakhale, Maselesa, Ntshumayelo, Gumede, Memela, Majoro