Family and community members of Katlehong, Ekurhuleni are reeling in pain after the brutal killing of “Supreme Commander” Mandla Nkambule, the co-founder of Thathazonke (TTZ) and Yizo-Yizo anti-crime units.
Many people are of the view that this was a “hit”.
Nkambule was driving in his marked car when he met his untimely death later in the day on Wednesday.
Before co-establishing the crime fighting units and starting his own business, Nkambule was a police officer for over 20 years.
Gauteng SAPS, speaking to The Star on Thursday, said it is reported that at approximately 17h30, the victim was driving in Katlehong when he was shot at by suspects who were driving parallel to him.
“The victim lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a palisade. He was certified dead on the scene. The motive for the killing cannot be confirmed at this stage. Police are on the lookout for the suspects who are still at large,” said Gauteng Provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo.
He said police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to please call the nearest police station or call crime stop on 08600 10111.
His mother, Ellen Ngwenya-Nkambule was inconsolable as she remembered her son.
“Around 4PM he phoned and asked that I could cook uphuthu (porridge) while he was still at work. He came over to pick it up and ate but when he collected it I had stepped out and had gone to the shops. I am heartbroken,” said Ngwenya-Nkambule.
Yizo-Yizo anti-crime unit spokesperson Teboho Radebe said this is one of saddest moments in the unit’s family. “Losing such a dedicated Supreme Commander. We are working tirelessly together with other law officials in trying to crack this case, since we don't know the motive behind his untimely death,” said Radebe.
Radebe said Nkambule “was more than a crime fighter; he was a beacon of hope to many. As the co-founder of Yizo-Yizo crime fighting unit he tirelessly fought against the forces of all crime in our area of residence, inspiring countless individuals to stand up and fight for what is right. He was fearless; he faced dangerous criminals protecting the innocent, and restoring order mainly in Kathorus, where car hijack, house robberies and kidnapping were spiralling. We honour his memory and the sacrifices he made”.
Radebe said Nkambule’s famous quote was "WE DON'T NEGOTIATE WITH CRIMINALS!”
“He will be solemnly missed by all crime combating units. May his spirit continue to inspire us all to strive for a safer and more just world,” said Radebe.
Ekurhuleni Thathazonke Anti Crime Unit said it is saddened by the barbaric and senseless killing of its founding member Nkambule who was assassinated in Katlehong Ext 6 while he was on duty visiting his business.
“Nkambule commonly referred to as the supreme commander within the crime fighting space is a founding member of TTZ and later on, he co-founded Ekurhuleni Yizo Yizo Community Services. He was a key figure in the fight against crime within Ekurhuleni, in particular around the Kathorus area, and was a former police officer with South African police service working within the disbanded Gauteng Highway Patrol (HP). He later resigned from police service and registered a security company: Umbrella Security Services, where he served as a director and head of VIP protection,” said TTZ spokesperson, Simphiwe Khumalo..
He said Nkambule’s death is a testimony of the ultimate end of those who fight crime and criminals,
“It is a clear indication of the war that criminals are waging against law-abiding citizens and law enforcement agencies. His assassination must not be viewed as an isolated incident but must be viewed from a perspective of an organised crime, where a few days ago criminals killed an on duty female police officer and injured another police officer. Not only did they kill a police officer but they also stole state firearms.
“The death of Nkambule will negatively affect the fight against crime and expose the vulnerable communities to dangerous criminals who have no value for life or people's property. It is for this reason that we are calling for total cooperation between all crime fighting units with Ekurhuleni and Gauteng as a whole, to come together and work tirelessly to find not only the hired hitman but to also find the person or persons who paid for the hit. Such individuals must be removed from our community as they pose danger for the law abiding citizens,” Khumalo said.
People took to social media platform, X to pay tribute to him.
“Rest easy Ta Mindlos... One of the crime fighters who worked overtime to make sure we are safe in Ekurhuleni.. rest well Commander,” wrote Babie Teboho.
“Not this guy, he was such a dedicated community protector, one of the founders of TTZ,” wrote John Mzimkhulu.
The Star