Did mistaken identity lead to killing of former Kruger National Park camp manager?

Dr Ezrom Mathumbu, a politician, pastor and former manager at 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 in Mpumalanga when 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 lives 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 that he wouldn’t live another two weeks.

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

His memorial service was held on March 11 at the Hlanganani Assemblies of God Church in his home village of Croquet Lawn. His funeral took place on 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.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.