Prominent KwaZulu-Natal businessman Nkululeko Mkhize was one of two men shot dead during a shootout with police at the luxury Zimbali Estate on Wednesday.
Mkhize was a taxi boss and tenderpreneur who lived a lavish lifestyle, with many social media posts highlighting his penchant for dishing out wads of cash.
At a traditional bridal shower, known as “indishi”, he gifted R100,000 in cash at the event in Nongoma. Mkhize's outfit was said to be worth about R600,000, which included a Rolex watch worth half a million.
He and another man, who has yet to be identified, died when police swooped on the house in connection with the shooting of five people in Richards Bay on Tuesday.
A close friend who asked not to be named said: “This guy was feared around Richards Bay and Empangeni. We all know he was filthy rich and doing tenders, and we always suspected that there was more as well.
“He had a lot of bodyguards who were seriously armed, so getting near him was impossible, especially if he didn't know you. At an event such as an indishi, he would make a statement by gifting hundreds of thousands of rand,” said a source who knew Mkhize.
Sources alleged that Mkhize operated a “tender mafia”, particularly in dealings with Transnet and Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).
KwaZulu-Natal SAPS spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said on Wednesday that six firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition were found at the scene of a crime.
Netshiunda said police officers penetrated the residence and came under gunfire from suspects in the house.
“Police retaliated, and at the end of the shootout, two suspects, aged 30 and 41, were found to have sustained fatal gunshot wounds,” he said.
He said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) was summoned to the scene for further investigations.
Police said they were following information about the whereabouts of suspects who were alleged to have been linked to the killing of five people at a parking lot in Richards Bay CBD on Tuesday morning.
Netshiunda said police investigations continue and a search for more suspects is ongoing.
A Zimbali Estate resident said they were shocked by the incident and that it was concerning that “criminals” lived on the estate.
“There are serious security issues that have been raised with the board several times. This phenomenon of criminals seeing the estate as a good hideout needs to come to an end. It's really uncalled for that people would choose Zimbali to hide or a place where they think they can do their dirty business,” the resident said.
The Zimbali Estate management association’s communications manager, Shannon Vermaak, shared the sentiment and said it was indeed a concern.
Vermaak, however, said identifying syndicates and individuals involved in organised crime can be challenging, as criminals often appear to be legitimate businessmen.
Vermaak told TimesLIVE Premium that before the operation commenced, the police national intervention and crime intelligence units engaged with them regarding the operation.
“Extensive planning was carried out, and Zimbali Estate's security was fully appraised and satisfied with the SAPS’s planning and risk mitigation measures. Consequently, we co-operated with the specialist units of the police, allowing them to conduct their operation on the estate,” said Vermaak.
She said the tenant at the property where the police operation took place was a long-term rental tenant but had been on the estate for only a couple of months.
She said the management of the estate was primarily focused on co-operating with law enforcement authorities to address and combat criminal activity.
“The estate's role is to support the authorities and act in a manner that safeguards the residents once the authorities are prepared to take action. The collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies are aimed at maintaining the safety and security of the community,” said Vermaak.
Attempts to contact Mkhize's family were not successful.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.