Upmarket Solo restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg, has finally broken silence on the shooting incident where a feared debt collector and businessman, Sphamandla Mabonga, and his two bodyguards were killed on Thursday night. Sphamandla was the ex-lover of Real Housewives star Londie London, whose real name is Londiwe Zulu.

NEUTRALISING THREAT

The restaurant management confirmed a security breach indeed took place. They said the safety and well-being of their patrons is a top priority and maintain a strict no-weapon and no-violence policy. "On the evening of 6 March, a group of males attempted to forcibly enter our premises while armed." They said in a statement that their security personnel then resisted their entry and the situation escalated and the local community police forum responded swiftly to the neutralise the threat. "We extend our sincere thoughts and prayers to the innocent parties who were injured during the incident. We wish them a speedy recovery." They concluded they would return to business as usual soon. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who assisted in ensuring the safety of our patrons and staff. We remain committed to providing a secure and enjoyable environment for all our guests. We look forward to welcoming you back to Solo Sandton."

THE SHOOTING

Sphamandla was gunned down outside the Solo restaurant during a confrontation with his bodyguards and bouncers after refusing them entry due to their carrying weapons. Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said police are still investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident that claimed the lives of three people and left four injured at a restaurant in Sandton," she said. Two of the bodyguards were declared dead on the scene, while five victims, Sphamandla, two patrons, a community policing forum member, and a security guard, were taken to the hospital with gunshot injuries. "The man succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man who started this gunfight had previously been arrested for a shooting incident, also in Sandton, last year.'