The brother of a teacher who was kidnapped, shot and killed is shattered after his gruesome murder.

Mathematics and Graphics and Design teacher Zenzele Gumbi (27) from KwaNongoma in KwaZulu Natal was kidnapped outside his place in Randfontein in Johannesburg on Tuesday by two unknown people. Zenzele was a grade 12 teacher and he was taken away without seeing the fruits of his hard work with the reveal of the matric results of 2023. It is alleged that the hijackers got into his car and moved him into the backseat and drove away with him. His older brother Scelo Gumbi (35) told ZiMoja that he was finding it hard to believe that his younger brother was no more.Scelo said that he was really hurting about his passing because he was the only family that he had. "Our parents passed away in 2012 and after that I had to make sure that I take care of him so that he could grow up and become independent. Zenzele was not the talkative type and you were never going to find him involved in fights. He was the people's person who enjoyed his profession and he loved creative arts. I'm shattered and I don't want to lie to you, I am not fine but have to be strong for my wife and kids. This was unexpected and for me to be able to accept his death, I have to find the truth behind his death. When I received a call that he had been kidnapped, we tried to look for him with other brothers who are based in Johannesburg until the wee hours of Wednesday. It was until some e-hailing drivers informed us that they had seen a car like his parked in Snake Park with a person inside. We drove there and we found my brother dead inside his car. All we want now is closure about what really happened to him. He was young and the future looked bright for him," he said.

On Thursday the school released a statement announcing his death.

"It is with deep regret that Randfontein High School announces the death of our teacher Zibonele Zenzele Mxolisi Gumbi, who was hijacked and later shot in his car on 16 January 2024, but only found on Wednesday, 17 January 2024. Mr Gumbi was appointed in his first teaching post at our school in January 2019. A nervous young man arrived to teach Mathematics and later Engineering Graphics and Design. "Zenzele had a very special relationship with not only the children he taught, but also with each teacher, manager and other staff members of the school. All of us mourn his passing in a different way and struggle to come to terms with this harsh reality. His music career as songwriter and singer just started taking off with a bang. In August 2023 the staff celebrated with him when one of his songs was played on radio," the statement read. The statement further stated that Zenzele was a soccer coach who excelled in his job. "His team won the Winter League in 2023. Mr Gumbi will be remembered as a true RHSian with our special RHS-DNA. His special smile and vibrant attitude to life will never be forgotten. The tears and grief by his friends and colleagues will pass, but the wonderful memories will stay. Our grief and confusion are shared with the family, and we would like to wish the family strength and wisdom during this time. We want to express our sincere condolences and support. "Zenzele's last words to his Departmental Head was. ' this year we are going to rock it mam? 'Yes, our beloved colleague, we will rock it on your behalf and in remembrance of your love for life and positive attitude," the statement read.