THE family of the famous Mhlabuyalingana singer, Mr. James “God’olulala amankankanane” Mthembu (61), is receiving death threats following the killing of one of those suspected of taunting him on Sunday.
In this incident, which is said to have happened in Thengani, right in Manguzi, a man who was being robbed with the intention of stealing a car, shot and killed the “thug”, Mr. Sifiso “Coach” Malwane.
According to the police, Malwane was the mastermind behind the crime of car thefts in the area, which were then crossed the border and headed for Mozambique.
It is said that he was just killed, the police wanted him for the murder of God’olulala amankankane, who was shot at his home in Phelandaba, Manguzi in late October last year.
Malwane is said to be wanted for the shooting and killing of Mr. Juda Mthethwa in February 2023.
A source who asked not to be named said Godo’s family has started receiving threats because they are suspected of celebrating the killing of Malwane.
“It is said that since they are just happy, they will also be killed,” said the source.
He went on to say that what happened, that those involved in Godo’s murder were killed, was something that the family had already expected as they believed that the deceased would fight back against those who threatened him.
When contacted, Godo’s son, Mr. Mandla Mthethwa, ended his comment, saying that this matter is serious, and no family can comment.
It is a country failed to get a comment from Judah’s family as a relative said it was difficult for them to comment on the incident, while the phone of the deceased’s wife rang and went unanswered.
Mr. Joseph Ngubane, who is on the committee that fights border crime, said that although the mastermind was killed, there is still concern in the community because there are still others left.
He said they were happy that the gunman who shot the deceased was able to defend himself, being attacked.
“His life was also in danger, they were also shooting at him,” said Ngubane.
He said that the special team that was established to deal with this type of crime, is still handling it well.
“There is silence, because the criminals are sleeping, but then there is violence again,” he said, adding that since the incident happened, there is a van that was taken the day before yesterday in Bhambanana.
He urged the public to continue to cooperate with the police in fighting this crime, and warned them to be careful because criminals of this type are dangerous.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the deceased is one of the well-known Malwane brothers, who are on the list of suspects wanted by the police for murder and border crimes.
“Among those crimes, there is also the murder of Mr. Juda Mthethwa,” said Netshiunda.
He said the deceased was shot dead during a robbery in Thengani, Manguzi, on Sunday.
He said Malwane and another person with him broke into the house, armed with guns, and demanded the car keys from the owner of the house.
“The victim quickly took his gun and shot at the suspects, who escaped and ran away. The victim just ran away, he was shot,” said Netshiunda.
He said the police who fight border crime heard that a body was buried improperly in Mgodiwemvubu on Sunday.
“The police discovered that the body belonged to Malwane who was shot a short time ago on the same day. It turned out that it was secretly buried by his brother, Mr. Musa Malwane, who is also wanted for a series of murders and border crimes,” said Netshiunda.
He confirmed that these brothers are also wanted for the murder of a famous man in Manguzi, James ‘God’olulala amankankanane’ Mthembu.
He said the body of the deceased was finally buried following the proper procedure, while the police investigation is still ongoing. He said that the search for Musa is also ongoing, and urged those with information about his whereabouts to contact the police.