Activist Phakel’umthakathi Ndaba has made serious allegations, claiming that Somali business owners in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, have allegedly raised R1 million to hire a hitman to assassinate him.
Ndaba made the claims while addressing supporters during a march in Harding on Sunday, where he spoke about what he described as increasing tensions surrounding his activism and public statements.
Speaking to the crowd, Ndaba alleged that information had come to his attention suggesting that a substantial amount of money had been collected to finance an assassination attempt against him. He claimed the alleged plot involved Somali business owners operating in the Nongoma area.
The activist, however, did not provide evidence to support the allegations during his address, and the claims have not been independently verified by authorities.
Despite the lack of official confirmation, the allegations have attracted significant public attention, particularly amid ongoing debates surrounding business competition, community relations, and public safety in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Ndaba has previously been vocal on issues relating to local economic participation and the presence of foreign-owned businesses in rural communities.
The claims are expected to intensify public discussion and may increase pressure on law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly. Security experts have often emphasized that allegations involving assassination plots should be treated seriously and assessed carefully to determine their credibility.
At the time of publication, police had not confirmed the existence of any assassination plot, and no arrests or criminal charges had been announced in connection with the allegations. Representatives of the Somali business community had also not publicly responded to Ndaba’s claims.
Community leaders have consistently called for disputes involving local and foreign-owned businesses to be resolved through lawful and peaceful channels, warning against rhetoric that could further inflame tensions.
Ndaba told supporters that he would not be intimidated and intends to continue his activism despite what he described as threats to his safety. For now, the allegations remain unproven, and any official investigation will be crucial in establishing the facts surrounding the purported plot.