20 January 2005 Thomas Mandla Shabalala of Lindelani Township was gunned down in front of his home. As a huge political figure his death caused waves all over S.A and especially KZN. During this time 2 young men were wrongfully arrested with one sentenced to life in prison.
At the time Nkosinathi Mbopha Chiya was doing his final year at University, studying civil engineering when he was brutally beaten by police till he confessed to the murder of Mr. Shabalala. after serving 8 long years in prison new evidence surfaced that proved Nkosinathis innocence, he was vindicated and sent back home a changed young man.
Though evidence was made available by the media, no arrests have been made even now in 2022. All leads and evidence has led to dead ends, this includes the killing of a Sangoma woman who was the key witness against new suspects. Eleven years later the authorities still have not made a proper justified arrest and the murderers are roaming the streets of S.A freely having destroyed the lives of 3 different families and more.
Nkosinathi Chiya is seeking justice after being falsely accused of killing IFP leader Thomas Mandla Shabalala in 2005. Chiya was arrested and given a life sentence. In 2008, he was released after new evidence emerged through a letter written by one of the parties involved.
Chiya says that there are names of very influential people involved in his arrest. At present, he is unable to apply for jobs because his criminal record has not been cleared.