Dr Ezrom Mathumbu, a politician, pastor and former manager in the Kruger National Park (KNP), was tragically killed on March 5 in what is suspected to be a case of mistaken identity.

The incident occurred near Cork Village while Mathumbu was driving his Toyota bakkie. Alleged hitmen armed with automatic rifles fired about 28 bullets at his vehicle. The provincial police have yet to confirm the number of cartridges found on the scene, but a family member disclosed the figure to Lowvelder.

Taxi boss Jerry Nyathi, who also resides in the area, believes he was the intended target of the attack. During an exclusive interview, Nyathi explained his bakkie has a nearly identical registration plate to Mathumbu’s vehicle, with only minor differences in the numbers. He suggested that the attackers mistook Mathumbu’s bakkie for his, given their similarities.

Nyathi also revealed that he had received death threats in the days leading up to the murder, including one warning he wouldn’t live another two weeks.

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Nyathi recounted a chilling moment before the incident, involving a young man who was fatally shot in Belfast Village.

While being transported to the hospital, the injured man accused Nyathi of orchestrating the attack against him and threatened retaliation. The man, however, succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the hospital.

According to Nyathi, threats against his life intensified following this death, with promises of vengeance. He now suspects Mathumbu was killed in a case of mistaken identity.

Mathumbu was a prominent community figure with a multifaceted career. He served as a cabinet minister in the defunct Gazankulu Government, Action SA’s Bohlabela regional chairperson, a pastor, and a hospitality manager in the KNP.

Joep Stevens, who worked alongside Mathumbu in the KNP, expressed deep sorrow at his passing on social media. Stevens praised Mathumbu’s inspirational leadership, sense of humour and ability to uplift his team. He described Mathumbu as a gentleman and said he had retired from the KNP in 2021 after serving as camp manager at both Pretoriuskop and Satara.

His memorial service was held on Tuesday, March 11, at the Hlanganani Assemblies of God Church in his home village of Croquet Lawn. His funeral is taking place today, March 13, in the same village.

Nyathi, while extending his condolences to Mathumbu’s family, expressed his shock at the tragedy and reiterated his belief that he was the intended target.

The investigation into Mathumbu’s murder is ongoing, as the community and those who knew him continue to grapple with the loss of a well-respected leader and friend.