Alleged love triangle ends in death at lodge outside Mbombela

A provincial transport inspector, Thomsanga Nkosi (34), was gunned down at Kwanyoni Lodge on Saturday night, April 15.

He was allegedly shot by Abednigo Mbuyane (38), a by-law enforcement officer of the City of Mbombela (CoM). Nkosi was allegedly with Mbuyane’s wife at the time of the alleged murder.

According to the Hawks’ provincial spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, Nkosi and Mbuyane’s wife, whose identity is not known, were in a chalet when they were approached by Mbuyane.

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“While they were in the chalet, the woman’s husband emerged and kicked down the door. There was an alleged altercation.
“It is further alleged that Nkosi ran out of the chalet and that the Mbuyane followed him, fired shots and fled the scene. Nkosi was hit twice and succumbed to his injuries,” Sekgotodi said.

Albert Gryvenstein of Bossies Community Justice was first on the scene.
Sekgotodi said the Mbombela Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Nelspruit Vispol and the Mbombela Local Criminal Record Centre had also attended to the scene.

Mbuyane handed himself over at the Nelspruit Police Station on Sunday April 16. His official firearm was seized and he was charged with murder and detained.

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He appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The case was postponed to Friday for a formal bail application.
The MEC for the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, Mandla Ndlovu, said he was devastated by the killing. “We lost one of the inspectors who was responsible for ensuring that there is compliance on our roads, particularly on public transport.

“I want to send my condolences to the Nkosi family and the entire department for the loss of one of our own in such a brutal manner. May his soul rest in peace.

“Let us allow the law enforcement authorities to deal with the matter so there is closure to everyone affected,” he said.

The CoM’s spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, said they will not comment on the matter until further notice.
Nkosi will be laid to rest this Sunday in his home town, Barberton.

The spokesperson for the deceased’s family, Gomi Nkosi, said the funeral will start at his home in Dindela Village in Barberton, from where the cortège will move to the town hall for the official service.
The inspector worked for the provincial department for seven years. He was unmarried and had no children. He is survived by his father, grandmother and other family members.

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“We knew him as someone who was always smiling. We will miss his jokes and good heart and willingness to help where he could. We are still shocked as our family was expecting a lot from him,” Gomi said.
Jacques Viljoen, Kwanyoni’s owner, said, “We are fully co-operating with the authorities. Our main priority at this time is to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests and staff, as we always do.

“We would like to reiterate that this was an isolated incident, which has shocked us to the core. Due to the circumstances surrounding it, we could unfortunately do nothing to avoid it.
“We would like to assure our guests that safety has always been, and will forever be, our top priority. As this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to comment further on the details of the situation.”