RIP: Manqoba Ntombela gunned down outside his home
South Africa is mourning the tragic death of Manqoba Ntombela, founder of the iconic music group Woza Afrika.
South Africa is mourning the tragic death ofย Manqoba Ntombela, founder of the iconic music groupย Woza Afrika, who was gunned down outside his Ratanda home in Heidelberg.
According to theย Ratanda SAPS, Ntombela was sitting in his car when he wasย shot multiple timesย by unknown assailants.
He died at the scene.
Ntombela rose to prominence withย Woza Afrika, best known for the hit songย โIstokvelaโ.
Beyond his music, he was a respectedย businessman, educator, andย community leader, known for his deep commitment to social upliftment in the townships.
At the time of his death, he was actively involved in theย Mazibuye Kasi Spaza Shops initiative, a grassroots programme aimed atย empowering local entrepreneursย and revitalising township economies.
Police investigation underway
At the time of publishing, police have not yet established a motive for the murdัr.
A full investigation is underway, and authorities are appealing to the public for assistance.
โWe urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Ratanda police station,โ said a SAPS spokesperson.
Members of the public can report any relevant details to:
๐ย 016 343 7014ย or ๐ฑย 079 692 4853
Tributes pour in
Tributes have begun to flood social media, with fans, fellow artists, and local leaders describing Manqoba Ntombela asย a visionary,ย a man of the people, andย a cultural pioneerย who never lost touch with his community.
โManqobaโs passing is a devastating blow. He gave us music, mentorship, and hope. Ratanda has lost a giant,โ one community member shared.
Legacy of impact
Manqoba Ntombelaโs work in music and social development has left an indelible mark on South Africaโs cultural and community landscape.
As the investigation continues, his death raises new concerns aboutย rising violenceย andย the safety of public figuresย across the country.
Rest in Power, Manqoba Ntombela (1978-2025)
Musician. Educator. Leader. Visionary.
