Randfontein’s number 1 kickboxer, Nathi The Tiger Ximba tragically passed away in hospital on Monday, two days after he had been shot in the back in Diepsloot.
“I really don’t know how to start other than to say my number-one son, best friend and number-one fighter, Nathi, was shot in the back on Saturday night,” Mark Hey, Nathi’s father and manager said.
Hey added Nathi had died very late on Monday evening from severe abdominal injuries, after what Hey called “a long but ultimately unsuccessful operation and spell in ICU.”
Hey was with his son in ICU on Monday afternoon and said Nathi was in a coma, struggling to hang on.
I knew in my heart that when I left him, it was for the last time. At least I was able to tell him how much I love him.
“Sadly the advice and loud abuse I have given over the years about winning the last round didn’t work on this occasion as he lost the fight for his life, not to any worthy opponent in a real contest but to some gun-wielding tsotsi scum.”
Nathi has four children and a large family beyond Hey.
Nathi’s funeral will take place in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) from where he hailed.
God bless you my boy and may He give rest to your soul and comfort your family. This is only a break in training you little weasel, so make sure you keep fit and ready for when the old man eventually joins you,” Hey said about his beloved son.
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