Police comment on ambush of Newcastle municipal official
SAPS has confirmed the ambush and shooting of municipal director Dr Prince Dumisani Thabethe and his two bodyguards in Kilbarchan.
The South African Police Service has confirmed that a Newcastle municipal official was ambushed in Kilbarchan early on Monday morning.
Amajuba District police communications officer Constable Nonjabulo Langa said Dr Prince Dumisani Thabethe (63), the municipality’s senior executive director for co-operative services, was travelling to work at about 07:00 when the attack occurred.
Dr Thabethe, who resides in Kilbarchan, was seated in the back of an Isuzu bakkie, with two bodyguards in the front.
“As they were exiting the main entrance of Kilbarchan, four unknown armed suspects opened fire on the vehicle,” said Langa. “The bodyguards returned fire and the suspects fled the scene in a grey Suzuki.”
Following the shooting, Dr Thabethe and his guards sought assistance at nearby homes. Family members later arrived and transported all three men to Newcastle Mediclinic for medical treatment.
Langa confirmed that Dr Thabethe and both bodyguards sustained injuries but are expected to make a full recovery. She added that one of the suspects may have been wounded during the exchange of gunfire.
Multiple rifle cartridge casings and 9mm pistol cartridge cases were found on the scene and the Isuzu vehicle was said to be riddled with bullet holes.
Cartridge casings and projectiles were also found in the motor vehicle.
(Image supplied).
This is the second attempt on Dr Thabethe’s life.
The first, also in Kilbarchan, occurred on June 18, 2025, and to date, no arrests have been made.
Police later received information about a man with possible gunshot wounds who arrived at a clinic in Nelly Farm, Dannhauser. On investigation, it was established that the man claimed he had been stabbed.
“He arrived with his hand already bandaged and left the clinic on foot before opening a case or receiving treatment,” said Langa.
Enquiries at other medical facilities in the area have, so far, not revealed anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds. Investigations into the incident are continuing.
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