Durban – A popular traditional healer from KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, is spending the weekend behind bars.
He was arrested by the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) in connection with the murders of African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) member Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe and two eThekwini Metro Police officials, Lindokuhle Madonsela and Ndumiso Thusi.
The triple murders occurred in May and June 2020.
An extensive investigation followed.
To date, six individuals have been charged in connection with the murders, including an ANC branch committee member from Hammersdale.
On Friday, 24 July 2026, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe announced that the traditional healer had been arrested by the PKTT in connection with the murders.
Narrating details of the murders, Brigadier Mathe said: “On 26 May 2020, Mr. Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe was shot and killed outside his home in Section G, Mpumalanga Township, KwaZulu-Natal.
“Investigations later revealed that Gcabashe was not the intended target but was allegedly killed after the hitmen mistook him for Metro Police officer Lindokuhle Madonsela.”
Investigations by the PKTT later established that the alleged orchestrator of the murder believed Madonsela was having an intimate relationship with his wife.
“Following the mistaken killing of Gcabashe, the suspects allegedly regrouped and tracked down their intended target, resulting in the fatal shooting of Madonsela and his colleague, Officer Thusi,” said Brigadier Mathe.
On 9 June 2020, Metro Police officers Lindokuhle Madonsela and Ndumiso Thusi were ambushed while reporting for duty.
“Officer Thusi had arrived to collect Madonsela when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle, killing both officers at the scene,” the police spokesperson lamented.
The PKTT has since identified, linked, arrested and charged five individuals in connection with the murders, including: Fana Shabalala, Zamokuhle Nyandu, Mthokozisi Ntando Blose, Holy Shozi and Sandile Msezane.
They face murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges.
“Investigations revealed that they were allegedly recruited and paid to carry out the killings,” Brigadier Mathe said.
“Ballistic evidence conclusively linked the two murder scenes, providing investigators with critical forensic evidence that connected the offences.
“The alleged mastermind was arrested on Friday, 24 July 2026.”
He is expected to make his first appearance in the Hammarsdale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 July 2026.
Meanwhile, the case against the other five arrested suspects has been postponed for pre-trial proceedings in the Durban High Court.
