The community of Egqumeni in Mandeni, KwaZulu Natal is still reeling in shock after a famous inyanga was gunned down by two unknown men on Tuesday. It’s alleged that the men entered his yard under the pretence that they were seeking his services before shooting and killing him. 

AVENGING THE DEAD

Bhekumuzi Shandu, was famously known in KZN for performing rituals on the corpses of those who have been murdered to ‘avenge’ their deaths. Shandu performed the rituals at the cemetery naked in front of the mourners. Mthiya, as he was affectionally known to his clients and locals, would dance around the grave, go inside it with the coffin inside and perform the rituals while sprinkling the muthi and holding ishoba (cow-tail whisk).  

Sangoma Bhekumuzi Shandu performing a ritual inside a grave. Photo:Supplied

CHASING AWAY THOSE WHO NEEDED HEALING

Two neighbours who spoke to ZiMoja on condition of anonymity said that they believed that his death was related to his work. "People believed in his muthi as he has helped many families to find closure when their loved ones died mysteriously or weremurdered," the neighbour said. Another neighbour told ZiMoja that he was trusted by many and was a successful sangoma in the area. "When you go seek help from him for health issues, he would chase you away. He used to tell us as his neighbours that his gift was to avenge the death of the people who were killed and those who died mysteriously."

POLICE INVESTIGATING HIS MURDER

KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident. "Police in Sundumbili are investigating a case of murder following an incident where a 58-year-old man was allegedly shot by unknown suspects at Gqumeni Reserve. It is alleged that the man was in his consulting room when people entered seeking assistance. Reports indicate that gunshots were heard and the deceased ran into the main house where he was reportedly fatally wounded," he said.