The family of slain traditional healer James Mthembu, 61, from KwaMhlabuyalingana, 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 Malwane, also known as Coach, 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 several serious crimes, including the murder of Mthembu, who was shot dead 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 said Mthembu’s family had already started receiving threats, allegedly for appearing to celebrate Malwane’s death. Mthembu’s son, Mandla Mthethwa, declined to comment, saying the matter was sensitive and no family member was prepared to speak publicly.
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.
Ngubane praised a specialised unit established to tackle cross-border crime, saying it was making progress despite the cyclical nature of criminal activity. He urged the community to continue cooperating with police and warned residents to remain vigilant.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the deceased was one of the notorious Malwane siblings sought for murder and cross-border criminal activity. He said Malwane was shot dead during an armed robbery in Thengani, Manguzi, on Sunday.
Netshiunda added that eManguzi Cross Border Intervention Team members received information about an unlawful disposal of a body on Sunday night. Police discovered the body was that of Malwane. It is reported that his brother, Musa Malwane, secretly buried him. He is also wanted for various crimes, including murder and cross-border crime.
Police later exhumed the body and are searching for Musa Malwane, who may face additional charges including defeating the ends of justice. Netshiunda also confirmed the Malwane siblings are wanted in connection with the murder of James Mthembu in Manguzi.