Businessman, bodyguard shot dead in Uvongo

Well-known South Coast businessman Mlondi Zithumane (36) and his bodyguard Mlungisi Gambushe (49) were killed in a shoot-out with police in Uvongo in the early hours of last Monday (January 5).

KZN police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu confirmed the incident and said that the men were fatally wounded after they engaged with police in a gunfight.

“Police were acting on intelligence relating to individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms,” he said.

It is believed officers approached the Zithumane house and announced their presence, but there was no response from inside.

When they opened the gate, the bodyguard allegedly fired shots at them and they returned fire.

Once the guard fled to the back of the property, police went to the house, where Zithumane’s wife opened the door.

On confirmation that he was inside, police entered. It is alleged that gunshots were fired at police by Zithumane, who returned fire. Zithumane was fatally wounded.

Two AK47 assault rifles as well as three pistols were confiscated.

Ndlovu added that no police officers were injured in the incident.

It was reported yesterday (Wednesday) that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is probing the fatal shooting.

Zithumane’s brother, Banele, said the family is shattered, especially considering the manner in which his brother was killed. They have also questioned the validity of the police intervention.

He has been widely outspoken in saying that he believes the police forcefully entered the house, where they shot his brother in front of his family.

“He begged them not to kill him in front of his children. The police are also not being truthful about the guns they found in the house, at first they said four guns were found and later said it was five guns, and that one was used to shoot at the police.”

Banele believes that this was an execution, not a shoot-out.

Furthermore, he said when asking the police for proof of a search warrant, they told him it had nothing to do with him. He also claims they could not produce one nor did they identify themselves.

According to Banele, Gambushe had surrendered and run to an outside bathroom, but was still shot dead.

He also raised concerns that a hard drive with CCTV footage was taken from the premises by the police.

The slain businessman was described as a humble, gentle and loving man.

Also known as ‘chairman’, Zithumane owned a security company, Gasela Protection Services, and taxis.

According to Banele, while he seemed like a ‘beast’ on the outside, he was actually a sweetheart.

“Sometimes, I would shout at him because he was so soft and tell him to man up. He had respect for everyone, young and old. He was also a helpful person in the community and many looked up to him. My brother was a family man and he took his last breath at his home.”

Messages of support have poured in on social media and his business associates have visited his home to pay their respects.

Zithumane is survived by his wife and five children.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram