Nomthandazo Mbhele, 43, is in critical condition in a hospital following a stabbing attack at her home in Bluff, south of Durban, on the morning of July 16. Police have arrested a 34-year-old Burundian pastor in connection with the incident, which reportedly involved approximately 40 stab wounds. The attack is allegedly linked to the victim’s brother, the actor and comedian Pastor Mjosty, and his public opposition to undocumented immigration in South Africa.
Alleged Motive Linked to Public Stance
The suspect, a pastor known to the victims, allegedly targeted Mbhele due to her brother’s vocal campaign against undocumented foreigners. According to Pastor Mjosty, his sister’s niece reported that the attacker had viewed a video of the comedian expressing frustration over the illegal sale of pirated DVDs of his show, Kwaito Church Service. The tension reportedly intensified after the comedian was publicly acknowledged by March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma during a protest against undocumented immigrants on June 30.
Did You Know? The suspect in the attack is a 34-year-old Burundian pastor who was reportedly known to the family before the violent incident occurred on July 16.
Family Demands Answers
Pastor Mjosty described the scene as the family rushed to the house, noting the severity of the injuries sustained by his sister. “He stabbed her all over her body. When we tried to give her water, it came out through her throat,” he told the Daily Sun. The comedian stated that the family is waiting for his sister to recover sufficiently to provide further details regarding the incident. He emphasized that he never anticipated that his political support for the marches would result in violence directed at his family members.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
KZN police spokeswoman Colonel Amanda Funani confirmed that officers in Brighton Beach made an arrest following the incident, which involved the stabbing of both a mother and her daughter. The 34-year-old suspect is scheduled to appear before the Durban Magistrates Court on Friday, July 17. Legal proceedings will determine the formal charges, and the court’s decision will likely clarify the extent of the evidence linking the suspect’s actions to the comedian’s public activism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current condition of Nomthandazo Mbhele?
Nomthandazo Mbhele is fighting for her life in the hospital after being stabbed approximately 40 times.
Who has been arrested in connection with the attack?
Police have arrested a 34-year-old Burundian pastor who was known to the victims.
Why does the family believe the attack occurred?
The family alleges the suspect targeted Mbhele because of her brother, Pastor Mjosty’s, public support for anti-illegal immigration marches and his comments regarding the piracy of his comedy DVDs.
How will the outcome of the court appearance impact the ongoing discussions regarding immigration activism in the region?
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