RESIDENTS are reeling in shock following the cruel killing of a popular sangoma in Zwelitsha.
On Friday night, 32-year-old Zimasile “Gumede’’ Nonginzi was allegedly cornered by three thugs at his house where he operated as a traditional chemist.
The men pretended to be customers and when Zimasile opened the door, he was shot.
A witness who heard the gunshots saw Zimasile running down Zwelitsha Drive in Nyanga, near Cape Town with the three thugs hot on his heels.
But he could not outrun the determined hitmen. They allegedly pumped more bullets into his body and stabbed him several times.
Zimasile’s brother, Thabang Jana, said his family was shocked by the cruel death.
“He was such a humble man. He liked healing people. These thugs pretended to come for help but instead, they pointed a gun at him.”
A witness said Zimasile must have run for what seemed like a kilometre or more before the thugs caught up with him and stabbed him to death on the tar road.
“They must have shot him over 10 times.
“They also cut off the muthi belt he was wearing.
“ I can’t believe how he was killed, like a dog. It felt as if I was watching a movie.”
When Daily Sun visited the scene, people were crying.
One of his clients said he was a good man who helped him many times.
“I was separated from my husband and consulted him and my husband returned home. I also got a job because of him.”
Western Cape police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Andre Traut confirmed the incident.
“A 32-year-old man was shot and killed in Zwelitsha Drive, Nyanga by unknown suspects who are yet to be arrested.”
The Nyanga Community Policing Forum has condemned the incident.
Chairman Martin Makasi said crime died down in December but January had started off harshly.
“I wish all role players would join hands with us and Nyanga police to fight violent crime in the area.
“We are urging the courts of law not to be lenient with well-known criminals by letting them walk free on technicalities,” said Makasi.