The father and his sons were arrested in connection with the kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and murder of 28-year-old Thandazani Mngomezulu. It is reported that the deceased, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time, had attempted to propose love to the traditional healer’s girlfriend and is alleged to have uttered unkind words about Ngubane.
Ngubane then took his two sons and went to fetch Mngomezulu from his home at Qwakini area in Mtubatuba. The three reportedly forced Mngomezulu to their home where they allegedly tied him against a tree and the father assaulted him on 15 December 2024. Mngomezulu was rescued by community members who pleaded with the traditional healer that the victim had had enough. After spending several days at the hospital in Empangeni, Mngomezulu succumbed to his severe injuries.
Having received the doctor’s report, policed changed the intial case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to murder and the suspects were duly arrested. The father is facing charges of murder, kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, whereas his sons were charged with kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The accused will be back in court on 21 January 2025 where they will make formal bail application.