Off-duty Cato Manor officer stabbed to death after argument

An off-duty police officer from Cato Manor was fatally stabbed following an argument near a popular hangout spot in Durban on Saturday night.

Sergeant Mondli Gabisa was with his wife and friends when he got into a verbal altercation with another woman not too far from the popular hangout spot, KwaZaba Shisanyama, in Cato Manor.

According to witnesses, the woman left the scene and returned a short while later with her brother.

“The brother arrived carrying a knife and overpowered the officer before stabbing him several times,” said one eyewitness.

Gabisa was still breathing for about 20 minutes after the attack but later died from his injuries.

Police arrested the woman and her brother at the scene.

Gabisa’s sister, Mpho Gabisa, who lives in Johannesburg, said the family was devastated by the incident.

“We received the news of my brother’s death and are travelling to Durban to meet with relatives and the police for a full report on what happened,” she said.

Gabisa had recently married his wife, Simphiwe, and his death comes just a year after his sister, Zizipho “Ntuntu” Gabisa (29), and her friend, Anele Mbokazi (30), were shot dead in Kenville, Durban.

Their killer, Lungani Mthethwa, was sentenced to life imprisonment, while his accomplice, Sandile Chili, was acquitted after cooperating with authorities.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the murder.

“The deceased was stabbed to death on SPCA Access Road on Saturday night. Police officers who were patrolling the area were alerted to the incident and found the victim with multiple stab wounds. His service pistol was found at the scene with no ammunition,” said Netshiunda.

He said the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.