JUST IN:
POPULAR KWAMASHU SANGOMA ARRESTED BY KZN PKTT AS ALLEGED MASTERMIND BEHIND THREE MURDERS COMMITTED IN 2020
The KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has arrested a popular traditional healer from KwaMashu for allegedly orchestrating the murders of African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) member Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe and eThekwini Metro Police officials Lindokuhle Madonsela and Ndumiso Thusi.
The arrest follows an extensive investigation into the triple murder that occurred during May and June 2020.
To date, six individuals have been charged in connection with the murders, including ANC branch committee member from Hammersdale, Holy Shozi.
On 26 May 2020, Mr. Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe was shot and killed outside his home in Section G, Mpumalanga Township, KwaZulu-Natal. Investigations later revealed that Gcabashe was not the intended target but was allegedly killed after the hitmen mistook him for Metro Police officer Lindokuhle Madonsela.
Fourteen days later, on 09 June 2020, Metro Police officers Lindokuhle Madonsela and Ndumiso Thusi were ambushed while reporting for duty.
Officer Thusi had arrived to collect Madonsela when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle, killing both officers at the scene.
Investigations by the KZN Political Killings Task Team established that the suspect allegedly believed Officer Madonsela was involved in an intimate relationship with his wife and subsequently arranged for his murder.
Following the mistaken killing of Gcabashe, the suspects allegedly regrouped and tracked down their intended target, resulting in the fatal shooting of Madonsela and his colleague, Officer Thusi.
The KZN Political Killings Task Team has since identified, linked, arrested and charged five individuals in connection with the murders.
They are: Fana Shabalala, Zamokuhle Nyandu, Mthokozisi Ntando Blose, Holy Shozi and Sandile Msezane.
The accused face charges relating to murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Investigations revealed that they were allegedly recruited and paid to carry out the killings.
Ballistic evidence conclusively linked the two murder scenes, providing investigators with critical forensic evidence that connected the offences.
The alleged mastermind was arrested on Friday, 24 July 2026, and is expected to make his first appearance in the Hammarsdale Magistrate's Court on Monday, 27 July 2026.
Meanwhile, the case against the five previously arrested accused has been postponed for pre-trial proceedings in the Durban High Court.
This arrest marks a significant breakthrough for the KZN Political Killings Task Team and underscores its commitment to ensuring that those who commission, facilitate and execute murders are brought to justice.
The South African Police Service reiterates that no individual is beyond the reach of the law and that investigators will continue to pursue all persons involved in politically linked and contract killings, irrespective of their status or standing within their communities.
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