Respected traditional healer and father of 60 with 10 wives brutally gunned down.

KwaMhlabuyalingana, KwaZulu-Natal – A prominent traditional healer was killed in a brazen shooting incident on Friday night, October 24, 2025, leaving his extensive family and the local community in mourning.

The victim, identified as 61-year-old Dr. Godo Olulala Amankankane Mthembu, was fatally wounded while gathered with others for a casual braai under a tree in KwaMhlabuyalingana, a rural area in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. According to reports, the evening gathering turned deadly when an unidentified man approached the group and fired shots at Dr. Mthembu from close range. A second gunman then joined the attack, unleashing additional gunfire. Emergency responders arrived at the scene but pronounced Dr. Mthembu dead on the spot due to the severity of his injuries.

Dr. Mthembu, widely recognized in his community for his expertise in traditional healing practices, had built a reputation over the years for providing treatments to patients without charge. His commitment to accessible care earned him deep respect among residents. He leaves behind a large family, including 10 wives and more than 60 children, who now face the profound loss of a central figure in their lives.

Authorities have launched a murder investigation led by detectives from the Manguzi police station. As of Saturday, October 25, 2025, no arrests have been made, and the identities of the two suspects remain unknown. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the attack, though they are actively pursuing leads in the area.

This incident marks a somber chapter for Dr. Mthembu, who had previously gained attention for his role in a high-profile case involving the illegal trade in human body parts. Earlier reports indicate that Dr. Mthembu had alerted authorities to a man attempting to sell him an individual with albinism, resulting in the suspect's apprehension. Such cases highlight ongoing concerns in parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, where body parts from people with albinism are occasionally targeted for use in traditional medicines known as muthi, contributing to documented instances of kidnappings and killings in the region.

Police have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in resolving the case. The investigation remains active, with detectives working to piece together the events leading up to the fatal encounter. Further updates are expected as new details emerge.