Popular KwaMashu Sangoma arrested as alleged mastermind behind 2020 triple murder

A popular traditional healer from KwaMashu has been arrested by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) for allegedly masterminding the 2020 murders of African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) member Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe and eThekwini Metro Police officers Lindokuhle Madonsela and Ndumiso Thusi.

The arrest follows a lengthy investigation into the three killings, which took place between May and June 2020.

In a statement on Friday KZN police spokesperson spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said, six people have now been charged in connection with the murders, including the alleged mastermind and ANC branch committee member Holy Shozi from Hammarsdale.

Gcabashe was gunned down outside his home in Section G, Mpumalanga Township, on 26 May 2020. Investigators later established that he was allegedly mistaken for Metro Police officer Lindokuhle Madonsela, who was believed to be the intended target.

Two weeks later, on 9 June 2020, Madonsela and fellow Metro Police officer Ndumiso Thusi were ambushed while reporting for duty. Thusi had arrived to collect Madonsela when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle, killing both officers at the scene.

Netshiunda allege that the suspect believed Officer Madonsela was involved in a relationship with his wife and arranged for his murder. After allegedly realising they had killed the wrong person, the suspects regrouped and tracked down Madonsela, resulting in the fatal attack that also claimed Thusi's life.

Before the latest arrest, five suspects had already been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They are Fana Shabalala, Zamokuhle Nyandu, Mthokozisi Ntando Blose, Holy Shozi and Sandile Msezane.

Investigators say the accused were allegedly recruited and paid to carry out the killings, while ballistic evidence linked the two crime scenes, strengthening the case against the suspects.

The alleged mastermind was arrested on Friday and is expected to make his first appearance in the Hammarsdale Magistrate's Court on Monday, 27 July 2026.

Meanwhile, the case against the five previously arrested accused has been postponed for pre-trial proceedings in the Durban High Court.

Police described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the investigation, saying it demonstrates the task team's commitment to ensuring that those who plan, fund and carry out politically linked and contract killings are brought to justice. SAPS added that no individual is beyond the reach of the law, regardless of their status or standing in the community.