The late popular traditional healer, James 'God'olulala amankankane' Mthembu who was shot dead at his home last year. His family is now receiving death threats following the killing of one of the suspects in his murder.
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The anti-crime activist, Juda Mthethwa, who was killed in 2023. One of the suspects was killed on Sunday and another one is on the run.
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The family of slain renowned KwaMhlabuyalingana traditional healer James Mthembu, 61, says it is living in fear following the killing of one of the suspects linked to his assassination.
Tension has gripped the area after Sifiso “Coach” Malwane was shot dead during a botched house robbery in Thengani, eManguzi, last Sunday. The homeowner allegedly opened fire on intruders attempting to steal his vehicle, fatally wounding Malwane.
According to police, Malwane was the alleged mastermind behind a syndicate involved in stealing vehicles and trafficking them across the South Africa-Mozambique border. He had been on the police wanted list for a range of serious crimes, including the murder of Mthembu, popularly known as “Godo” or “Godo’lulala amankankane”, who was shot dead in a hail bullets at his Phelandaba home in eManguzi on October 24 last year.
Mthembu, who had 15 wives and more than 60 children, advocated for the protection of people living with albinism and had dispelled the fatal misconception that their body parts had healing properties for traditional medicine.
Malwane was also wanted in connection with the murder of anti-crime activist Juda Mthethwa, who was shot dead in February 2023.
A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mthembu’s family had already started receiving threats, allegedly for appearing to celebrate Malwane’s death.
Godo Mthembu’s son, Mandla Mthethwa, declined to comment, saying the matter was sensitive and no family member was prepared to speak publicly. Attempts to obtain comment from Juda Mthethwa’s family were unsuccessful.
Local border management community crime-fighting group member Joseph Ngubane said while residents welcomed the death of an alleged mastermind, the community remained worried because other syndicate members were still active.
He said residents were relieved the home invasion victim had managed to defend himself and kill the suspect.
“His life was also in danger; they were shooting at him,” said Ngubane.
He praised a specialised unit established to tackle cross-border crime, saying it was making progress despite the cyclical nature of criminal activity.
“Sometimes it gets quiet because criminals have a tendency to lie low, and then it flares up again,” said Ngubane, adding that a bakkie was stolen in Bhambanana this week.
He urged the community to continue cooperating with police in combating crime, while warning residents to remain vigilant because such criminals were dangerous.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the deceased was one of the notorious Malwane siblings sought for murder and cross-border criminal activity.
“One of those cases is the murder of Juda Mthethwa,” said Netshiunda.
He said Malwane was shot dead during an armed robbery in Thengani, Manguzi, on Sunday.
According to Netshiunda, Malwane and an accomplice broke into a home armed with guns and demanded car keys from the homeowner.
“The victim quickly drew his gun and shot at the suspects, who ran away. But the deceased had already sustained a gunshot wound,” said Netshiunda.
He added that eManguzi Cross Border Intervention Team members received information about an unlawful disposal of a body at uMgodiwemvubu on Sunday night.
“Police discovered that the body was that of Malwane, who had just been shot a short while before. It is reported that his brother, Musa Malwane, is the one who secretly buried him. He is also wanted for various crimes, including murder and cross-border crime,” said Netshiunda.
Police later exhumed the body and are searching for Malwane, who faces the possibily of more criminal charges added including defeating the ends of justice.
Netshiunda also confirmed the Malwane siblings were wanted in connection with the murder of James Mthembu in Manguzi.