Emalahleni (Formerly Witbank) – The body of 64-year-old David Masombuka, the Nkangala District Municipality manager for communications, has been found in bushes at Klarinet, near Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga.
His body was found in the bushes of Klarinet, near Emalahleni on Monday, (30 September 2024).
Details have emerged that Masombuka was driving from his home in Sun City AA, near KwaMhlanga, on Sunday morning, (29 September 2024), to attend a meeting in Witbank, but failed to arrive at the venue.
After several failed attempts to reach Masombuka on his cellphone, his family reported him missing at Kwamhlanga Police Station and also alerted the police in eMalahleni (Witbank).
Narrating events before the body was found, Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli on Tuesday, (1 October 2024), said the deceased’s family raised the alarm after they repeatedly failed to reach him on his mobile phone.
Colonel Mdhluli said Masombuka’s family alerted the vehicle tracking company that located the deceased’s car parked near a fuel station.
He said police investigations led to the arrest of the suspects found in possession of the deceased’s belongings.
“The collaborative efforts of the tracker company and SA Police Service resulted in the swift arrest of the suspects,” said Colonel Mdhluli.
“Five male suspects, aged between 19 and 40 from Mozambique were arrested following the murder and hijacking.”
Colonel Mdhluli said the suspects led the police to the place where they had dumped Masombuka’s body.
Colonel Mdhluli said the suspects were charged with multiple counts, including hijacking, murder, and possession of suspected stolen properties.
The suspects will soon appear in the Witbank Magistrate’s Court.
Colonel Mdhluli said the Department of Home Affairs was checking the status of the suspects in South Africa.
He said charges related to contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa could be added.
Reacting to the murder of the Nkangala District Municipality manager, the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League expressed “profound sadness”‘.
ANC Youth League Nkangala Region secretary Sello Matshoga said the deceased’s contribution to the ANC would never be forgotten.
“The ANC in Nkangala Region is devastated by the untimely passing of Cde Masombuka, a senior leader in ward 19 Thembisile Hani Subregion and head of communication in Nkangala District Municipality,” said Matshoga.
“All those who love justice, freedom, and democracy will sorely miss his intellectual sharpness, political maturity, and passion for serving the people of this region and province of Mpumalanga.
“To the Family, the ANC is with you in this hour of pain.
“We pray for strength and fortitude during this moment of grief. Eternal rest unto you Comrade David Masombuka.”
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, a brother to the deceased, Simon Masombuka, said a funeral service for their sibling would be held on Saturday morning.
He said while the family was “shocked and hurt” by the violent death of their loved one, they have confidence in the Justice system.
