KZN Sangoma Arrested Over 2020 Killings Of ANCYL Member And Two KZN Metro Police Officers
A sangoma from KwaMashu has been arrested in connection with the murders of an African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) member and two eThekwini Metro Police officers who were killed in separate shootings in 2020.
The suspect was taken into custody on Friday after an investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team allegedly identified him as the person behind the attacks. Police claim the killings stemmed from his belief that one of the officers was involved in a relationship with his wife.
Police Say First Victim Was Killed By Mistake
According to IOL, investigators allege Metro Police officer Lindokuhle Madonsela was the original target. However, they say gunmen mistakenly shot and killed ANCYL member Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe outside his home in Mpumalanga Township’s Section G in May 2020.
Police believe the suspects failed to reach their intended target during that attack and later made another attempt.
Second Attack Claimed Two Officers’ Lives
About two weeks later, the alleged hitmen located Madonsela as he prepared to start work.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, officer Ndumiso Thusi had arrived to pick up Madonsela when armed men ambushed their vehicle. Both officers were fatally shot at the scene.
Investigators said forensic examinations later linked the two shootings, with ballistic evidence playing a key role in connecting the cases.
Sixth Suspect Joins Murder Case
Police said five suspects had already been arrested and charged before the latest breakthrough. Those accused are Fana Shabalala, Zamokuhle Nyandu, Mthokozisi Ntando Blose, Holy Shozi and Sandile Msezane.
All five face charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder, while the newly arrested sangoma is expected to appear in the Hammarsdale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 July 2026.
The matter involving the five co-accused has been postponed in the Durban High Court for pre-trial proceedings.