Mabonga, a controversial figure known for his unconventional methods, was feared within Sandton's club scene, according to two sources close to him. Some club owners allegedly paid him protection fees, while others used his services to recover money from patrons who skipped out on their bills.
One source revealed: "I was told that, on Thursday, he was going to collect R600 000 from someone in the club, but he was told he and his bodyguards could not go in with their firearms. That’s when the problems started. Remember, for him to intimidate people, he needed his guns and bodyguards and, when that failed, he wanted to force his way in."
The incident at Solo restaurant unfolded when Mabonga and his entourage attempted to enter the establishment, which has a strict no-firearm policy. Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the altercation escalated into a shootout between Mabonga's bodyguards and the restaurant's security personnel.
She added: “Two of the bodyguards were declared dead on the scene while five victims [the man, two patrons, a community policing forum member and a security guard] were taken to 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.”
Sources familiar with Sandton's nightlife said Mabonga was known to enter clubs with up to eight armed bodyguards. When denied access, the bodyguards allegedly assaulted unarmed establishment guards, who were only trained to handle rowdy patrons.
One source close to Mabonga described his debt collection tactics: "He would find a patron who didn’t pay a club [bill] anywhere and take his car keys and the car. He would drive the car until the debt was settled. But there were also instances where he did not return the car. He created so many enemies and he was brave, but needed his security with him to stay safe. He would take expensive cars such as Bentleys and BMWs and he would sell some to buyers in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, even when the debt had been settled. That’s why some reported their cars as being hijacked."
Mabonga allegedly gifted his former lover, celebrity influencer and reality TV star Londie London, some of these "hijacked" cars. During their relationship, he allegedly assaulted a blogger at Konka in Soweto for publishing information about their affair and refusing to remove the post.
Another source added: “Mabonga and his security closed Room 130 [a club in Benmore] in September 2023. He was a brave man and he wanted to be famous. Londie London introduced him to a lot of us [girls]. He used to carry large stashes of cash and would date girls with a lot of social media following, whom he knew would bring him attention.”
According to sources, Mabonga was linked to several altercations at clubs such as Konka Soweto, Makubenjalo in Diepkloof, Tempo in Rivonia, and Liv in Sandton. He was allegedly banned from several establishments due to his behaviour.
An incident report filed after this week's gunfight, seen by City Press, reveals that Sandton police officers responded to a complaint about a person trying to force his way into Solo restaurant.
The report reads: "Upon arrival at the scene, they spoke to the manager, Sydney Khojane. He informed them that a gentleman had a firearm and they have a policy of no firearms allowed in the restaurant. He pointed to a gentleman standing by the door and we proceeded to talk to him."
"He said he had a firearm and we told him that, as the restaurant is private property, he was not allowed to bring his gun into the restaurant. He then took out his firearm and made it safe and gave it to one of his bodyguards. The person became known to us as Mabonga. His real name is Bongani Basil Maocuna. He has been arrested before for a different shooting at the Tempo nightclub, also in Sandton. Case 338/01/2024, attempted murder."
The report added that after Mabonga handed over his firearm, the police thanked him for cooperating and went to verify his firearm licence, which he claimed was in his car.
“We were about to go to his car to verify the licence. A security guard from the restaurant came out and Mabonga started to shout and swear at him. He was trying to run towards the security guard and his bodyguards were trying to stop him. All of a sudden, there was a lot of gunfire," it added. "Myself [warrant officer], [the sergeant] and my crew took cover behind our vehicle. We cannot say for sure who started shooting first, the restaurant security or the bodyguards of Mabonga. Once the gunfire stopped we went to attend to the injured, we noticed four people had been shot and were lying on the ground. We went to secure the people who had been shot. We called for backup and paramedics.
"One of the bodyguards came back with his hands up. We were shouting at him to get on the ground. He went to his car which was parked at the entrance of the restaurant and got something out and then entered the restaurant. There was more gunfire inside the restaurant.”
Police said they could not see who was shooting inside the restaurant, but after the gunfire ceased, they entered and found one of Mabonga's bodyguards dead. Mabonga was also shot and in critical condition. His bodyguards rushed him to Morningside Clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries. The two bodyguards died at the scene.
In a statement, Solo management confirmed the security breach: “The safety and wellbeing of our patrons are our top priority and we maintain a strict no-weapons and no-violence policy at our restaurant. On the evening of 6 March, a group of males attempted to forcibly enter our premises while armed. Our security personnel resisted their entry and the situation escalated. Fortunately, our security team and the local community policing forum responded swiftly and effectively to neutralise the threat. We extend our sincerest thoughts and prayers to the innocent parties who were injured during the incident. We wish them a speedy and full recovery.”
Londie London could not be reached for comment. The investigation into Mabonga's death continues, promising to further expose the shadowy world he inhabited.
