Tributes Pour In for Slain Music Legend Manqoba Ntombela as Investigation Continues

Tributes continue to pour in for Manqoba Ntombela, the celebrated South African musical artist whose life was tragically cut short on the evening of May 16. The 62-year-old was gunned down outside his home in Ratanda, Heidelberg, in a shocking incident that has left both the music industry and the nation reeling.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Ntombela’s murder, but early reports suggest the possible involvement of a so-called spaza shop mafia. The motive remains unclear, adding layers of anguish and uncertainty to an already devastating loss.

Ntombela, a respected musician, educator, businessman, and community leader, had just returned home after closing his shop, located a few houses from his residence. His daughter, Londiwe Ntombela, recounted the heartbreaking events that unfolded with chilling speed.

“My father left the shop just after 6pm and drove to his house,” she told Sunday World. “My younger brother, who was in the house, heard the car stopping outside, and when he got out to open the gate, gunshots rang out. He ran back into the house. After a few minutes, he went outside and found our dad shot in the car.”

The family rushed to the scene and made a desperate attempt to save his life. “He was still alive when we arrived, and we put him in one of the cars to rush him to the hospital. We met the medical team along the way. It declared him dead after a failed resuscitation,” Londiwe said.

Manqoba Ntombela was more than just a musician. He was a cultural pillar whose influence spanned generations. Best known for his 1990s hit Lomshini Uyakhuluma! (iStokvel), Ntombela enjoyed a resurgence in popularity when DJs Vetkuk and Mahoota reimagined the track for a new audience. His music, marked by its storytelling and vibrant energy, played a key role in shaping township soundtracks during a transformative era in South Africa.

Beyond the stage and studio, Ntombela was deeply embedded in his community. His work with I-Afrika Theatre Education highlighted his dedication to nurturing young talent and preserving the country’s rich musical and theatrical heritage. The organisation paid tribute to him in a moving statement:

“It is with deep sorrow that I-Afrika Theatre mourns the untimely passing of our beloved music director, Manqoba Ntombela. Manqoba was more than just a musician — he was a creative force … his passing is a huge loss — not just to us, but to the entire creative industry in South Africa. We have lost a leader, a friend, and a true artist.”

As the investigation continues, the community of Ratanda and the broader South African arts scene are united in mourning a man whose impact went far beyond his music. Many have called for justice and a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding his death, hoping that answers will emerge from what currently feels like senseless violence.

Manqoba Ntombela is survived by his children and grandchildren, who now carry the legacy of a man who gave so much to his art, his people, and his country. His music will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will live on as a beacon of creativity and resilience.