Prominent businessman assassinated in suspected multi-million rand mining contract
He was gunned down in full view of a crowd on Sunday evening in Phumula, Mhluzi, at around 22:10.
The businessman who was assassinated in Mhluzi recently will be laid to rest tomorrow (Saturday).
Mashoza Malaza was the latest victim of violent attacks on businessmen amid fierce competition for mining contracts in Mpumalanga.
He was gunned down in full view of a crowd on Sunday evening in Phumula, Mhluzi, at around 22:10.
According to the Mpumalanga police, Malaza was shot seven times, and 11 cartridges from a 9mm handgun were found on the scene.
His attackers are still at large.
Malaza was born in Siyathuthuka, Belfast, but moved to Middelburg to settle with his wife and children.
He operated a business in Belfast, UMI Plant Hire, which won a bid with Exxaro in 2021.
Read more: Mpumalanga SMMEs grow due to investment from Exxaro
Since then, Malaza faced assassination threats linked to a lucrative mining contract.
In February 2023, he was ambushed by a hitman using an R1-automatic rifle while he was driving out of his driveway with his daughters in Belfast.
Read more: Businessman relocated to place of safety after two attempts on his life
He was shot through his car windscreen and sustained severe injuries, losing his eyesight temporarily and undergoing multiple surgeries.
While in hospital, his home in Siyathuthuka was bombed with mining explosives. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
During an exclusive sit down with a Middelburg Observer journalist in 2023, while in hiding, Malaza revealed that he suspected that a syndicate, including businessmen with political ties, orchestrated the attacks, who allegedly stand to benefit from his death.
He showed the journalist leaked cellphone messages that revealed high-ranking individuals were allegedly involved in the assassination plots.
Sadly, after numerous threats to his life, no one was held accountable.
His attack was not the only one in Belfast, in 2020, Malaza’s brother, Innocent, and his businessman friend Sifiso Sindane, were also attacked by unknown men.
Read more: Violent cartels driven by greed unleash hellfire in quest for black gold
• Malaza’s family told the Middelburg Observer they are not ready to speak to the media yet.
• Read more in the Middelburg Observer’s Friday edition this week.
