Popular KwaMashu Sangoma Arrested as Alleged Mastermind Behind 2020 KZN Triple Murder
A breakthrough in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most chilling murder investigations has led to the arrest of a well-known traditional healer from KwaMashu, who police allege orchestrated the killings of an African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) member and two eThekwini Metro Police officers.
The arrest, made by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), comes six years after a string of deadly shootings left families devastated and investigators searching for those behind the carefully planned attacks.
Police believe the traditional healer was the alleged mastermind who commissioned the murders of Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe, Metro Police officer Lindokuhle Madonsela and his colleague, Ndumiso Thusi.
Years of Investigation Lead to Major Arrest
National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the latest arrest follows an extensive investigation into the murders committed during May and June 2020.
According to police, six people have now been charged in connection with the case, including the newly arrested suspect and ANC branch committee member Holy Shozi from Hammarsdale.
The latest development is being described as a major breakthrough for investigators who have spent years piecing together forensic evidence, witness statements and intelligence to identify everyone allegedly involved in the deadly plot.
Mistaken Identity Led to First Killing
Police allege the violence began on 26 May 2020 when Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe was shot and killed outside his home in Section G, Mpumalanga Township, KwaZulu-Natal.
Investigators later discovered that Gcabashe was allegedly not the intended target.
According to police, the gunmen mistakenly believed Gcabashe was Metro Police officer Lindokuhle Madonsela, who was allegedly the real target of the planned assassination.
The fatal error marked the beginning of a chain of events that would claim two more lives just weeks later.
Metro Police Officers Ambushed
Fourteen days after Gcabashe’s death, tragedy struck again.
On 9 June 2020, Metro Police officers Lindokuhle Madonsela and Ndumiso Thusi were ambushed while reporting for duty.
Police said Officer Thusi had arrived to collect Madonsela when armed suspects opened fire on their vehicle, killing both officers at the scene before fleeing.
The killings sent shockwaves through law enforcement and local communities, raising concerns about targeted attacks against police officers.
Police Reveal Alleged Motive
According to Brigadier Mathe, investigators established that the suspect allegedly believed Officer Madonsela was involved in an intimate relationship with his wife.
Police allege this belief motivated the plan to have Madonsela killed.
After Gcabashe was mistakenly murdered, investigators say the suspects regrouped, tracked down their intended target and carried out the fatal ambush that claimed the lives of Madonsela and Thusi.
Five Other Accused Already Before the Courts
The Political Killings Task Team has already arrested and charged five other suspects in connection with the murders.
They are Fana Shabalala, Zamokuhle Nyandu, Mthokozisi Ntando Blose, Holy Shozi and Sandile Msezane.
All face charges including murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Police allege the accused were recruited and paid to carry out the killings.
Investigators also relied on ballistic evidence, which they say conclusively linked both murder scenes and played a critical role in connecting the offences.
Court Appearance Set for Monday
The alleged mastermind was arrested on Friday, 24 July 2026, and is expected to make his first appearance in the Hammarsdale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 July 2026.
Meanwhile, proceedings involving the five previously arrested accused have been postponed for pre-trial proceedings in the Durban High Court.
Task Team Hails Significant Breakthrough
Brigadier Mathe described the arrest as a significant milestone in the investigation.
She said the breakthrough demonstrates the commitment of the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team to ensuring that those who commission, facilitate and carry out murders are identified, arrested and brought before the courts.
While the allegations against the newly arrested traditional healer remain subject to judicial proceedings, investigators believe the latest arrest represents a crucial step in uncovering the full extent of a murder plot that claimed three lives and left lasting scars across KwaZulu-Natal.
