Mpumalanga is reeling from the brutal murder of Dr Ezrom Mathumbu, a prominent figure in the Bushbuckridge community known for his roles as a pastor, radio personality, politician, and businessman. Dr Mathumbu was ambushed and shot dead on Wednesday afternoon, 5 March, on the R536 road at Cork Trust, between Mkhuhlu and the Kruger National Park.
According to police spokesman Brigadier Donald Mdluli, Dr Mathumbu was driving his Toyota GD-6 bakkie when he was attacked. "Nothing appears to have been taken during the incident, and police recovered rifle cartridges at the scene. Paramedics unfortunately pronounced the victim dead at the scene. As of now, no suspects have been arrested, and the motive behind this senseless killing remains unknown," Mdluli said.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 17:00 on the R536 in Cork Village near Mkhuhlu, Mpumalanga, according to reports.
Dr Mathumbu's death has prompted a swift response from law enforcement, with Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, assigning a team of experts to investigate the incident. "The General has assured the community that the SAPS will spare no effort in ensuring that those responsible for this cowardly act are held accountable," Mdluli added.
ActionSA Outraged
The political party ActionSA, of which Dr Mathumbu was a member, has expressed outrage at his murder. "ActionSA is outraged by the killing of its Bohlabela Regional Chairperson, Dr. Ezrom Mathumbu. We know things have descended to totally unacceptable lows when we get forced to move from discussing best approaches to delivering services to our communities to fearing violent attacks," the party said in a statement.
"One death is always one too many, but a cold-blooded murder of a servant of the people on his way home, from his many community engagements, will not be tolerated. Dr. Mathumbu was a dedicated community activist and leader who was fully invested in being part of the solution to healing our nation, one community at a time."
ActionSA has called upon Acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the investigation. "As ActionSA, we call upon Acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi, to ensure that no stone is left unturned to find and bring the perpetrators of this killing to book. We mourn this untimely passing of Dr. Mathumbu and will do everything in our power to provide the necessary assistance to his family. We shall also ensure that the work he began is continued so that his legacy is marked only by his dedication to our country," the statement continued.
A Life of Service
Dr Mathumbu was a prominent figure both in South Africa and abroad. He was a well-known pastor, whose sermons were often broadcast on SABC's Munghana Lonene FM, as well as other radio and television stations.
Beyond his religious work, Dr Mathumbu had a long and varied career. From 1989 until the beginning of South Africa's democracy, he served as a minister in the defunct Gazankulu Government under the leadership of chief minister, Professor Hudson William Edison Ntsanwisi, heading women and youth affairs.
He was also a motivational speaker, known for his storytelling abilities. Dr Mathumbu motivated Kruger National Park employees with the theme "Indlopfu ya Hina" (this is our elephant). After spending 17 years as a hospitality manager, he transitioned into business consulting and became a well-known motivational speaker on Limpopo's SABC radio station Munghana Lonene until 2024.
At the time of his death, Dr Mathumbu was serving as a district member of ActionSA.
Police are currently pursuing all leads in the case, but as of now, no suspects have been arrested, and the motive for the killing remains unknown. "The victim has been identified as Dr Ezrom Mathumbu. He was driving his Toyota GD-6 bakkie at Cork near Mkhuhlu when he was fatally shot multiple times in an apparent attack," Mdluli said.
"Nothing appears to have been taken during the incident, and police recovered some cartridges of a rifle at the scene. Paramedics unfortunately certified the victim dead on the scene."
