KEY POINTS
-
Ntombi, a woman caught in a love triangle, shares her account of the tragic events that led to the death of Emmanuel Mahamba in Sandton.
-
Mahamba was allegedly run over multiple times by Ntombi’s partner after a heated argument over damage to a vehicle during a confrontation at a motorbike shop.
-
Gauteng police are still investigating the incident, with no arrests yet, despite clear evidence from video footage that has sparked public outrage and calls for justice.
A Joburg woman, Ntombi, has shared her harrowing account of the tragic events that led to the brutal death of Zimbabwean national Emmanuel Mahamba in Rivonia, Sandton.
The incident, which took place after an altercation at a local motorbike parts shop, has sparked outrage and calls for justice, particularly since it was captured on video and widely circulated on social media.
Ntombi, who had previously been in a relationship with Mahamba despite living with her long-term partner, described the series of events that led to Mahamba’s death. The altercation began when Mahamba, along with a group of Ugandan men, arrived at the shop where Ntombi worked.
IOL reports that the tensions flared when Mahamba reportedly threw a stone at a vehicle and damaged the windscreen. This set off a confrontation with Ntombi’s partner, who allegedly responded by beating Mahamba.
“I agree that I once dated Emmanuel in January, and we broke up in February,” Ntombi shared during a live conversation with Joburg-based activist and lawyer, Moreboys Munetsi. “We broke up because some Ugandans recorded a video of me when I was with Emmanuel. My baby daddy is a Ugandan. So I broke up with Emmanuel for my safety, for my kids, and also for the sake of Emmanuel.”
The fatal confrontation and the aftermath of Ntombi
According to Ntombi, the altercation escalated when Mahamba picked up a stone, hit the windscreen, and subsequently caused an intense physical confrontation. “When I went outside, I saw Emmanuel holding a stone, but he didn’t respond to me. He threw the stone and then picked it up again to hit the car. My baby daddy got angry, went to Emmanuel, and beat him up,” she recalled.
What followed next was shocking and tragic. Video footage of the incident shows Ntombi screaming and attempting to stop her partner, who allegedly ran over Mahamba with a Ford Ranger multiple times before fleeing the scene. Ntombi explained that she had become involved with Mahamba while her relationship with her Ugandan partner was strained, and things worsened when a video surfaced showing her with Mahamba, further fueling jealousy and anger.
“I had to date Emmanuel,” she said, recounting the events. “Things were rocky with my partner, so I was with Emmanuel during that time.” The video of her holding hands with Mahamba, taken by the Ugandan men accompanying him, escalated tensions with her partner, leading her to end the relationship with Mahamba for safety reasons.
The tragic event has sparked widespread outrage, particularly given the nature of the attack and the fact that it was captured on video, fueling further demands for justice. Gauteng police have confirmed that an investigation is underway, but as of now, no arrests have been made. Police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, confirmed that Mahamba had argued with the shop owner, allegedly breaking the windscreen of a vehicle, before being run over multiple times. “A case of murder has been opened, and investigations are ongoing,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mahamba’s family has received legal support from Munetsi, who has also assisted with funeral arrangements. The public’s frustration grows as social media users demand answers, questioning why the suspect has not yet been apprehended despite the clear footage showing the vehicle’s number plate.
