Ndumiso Sibanda, a well-known injiva from Tsholotsho who made headlines in 2021 for hosting a half-a-million Rand housewarming party, was fatally shot in Hilbrow, Johannesburg, in the early hours of Sunday.
Sibanda, originally from Mathetshaneni in Gwelu Village, is reported to have been gunned down around 2 a.m. after attending a birthday party. His death was confirmed by Tsholotsho Rural District Council Ward 17 Councillor, Church Ncube, who is also a relative.
“It is true he passed away in South Africa. He is my son-in-law. From what we gather, he was shot in Hilbrow, and that is all we know for now,” said Ncube.
Sibanda, who gained a reputation for generosity in his home community by assisting needy families with groceries, had also become famous for his extravagant spending on music events. His 2021 housewarming turned into a two-day festival, featuring performances from over a dozen rhumba acts including Mxolisi Mr Bones Ndlovu, Clement Magwaza, Zinjaziyamluma, Insimbi Zezhwane, Madlela Sikhobokhobo, and others.
In South Africa, however, associates were reluctant to comment on his death, citing fears of retaliation from the gunmen. “His killers are waiting for anyone who speaks about what happened. People will only talk once they feel safe,” said a source.
One of Sibanda’s close friends, a businessman known as Mamba from Insuza, described the killing as a devastating blow to their group, popularly called Umzila Wegolide.
“We had planned big surprises for upcoming events, including DJ Mapresa’s show on October 4, and something special in December. Everything has been shattered by his death,” Mamba said.
Sibanda and his circle were renowned for showering musicians with cash at album launches and were regarded as key patrons of the rhumba music scene both in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Police in Johannesburg are yet to release official details on the shooting or confirm if arrests have been made.
