Journalist gunned down in tragic attack at his Durban home

Journalist

Cape Town – Independent Media photojournalist Bongani Mbatha was tragically murdered at his home in Hammarsdale, Durban, by unknown gunmen on Tuesday night.

The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but initial reports suggest that two gunmen knocked on his door and shot him multiple times upon opening it, reports said.

Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a murder investigation into the incident.

“Police are investigating a case of murder following an incident that occurred at Woodyglen area on Tuesday evening, 18 July 2023. A 51-year-old man’s body was found inside a backroom with multiple gunshot wounds. It is alleged that two men were seen running away from the scene and the victim was declared dead on scene,” EWN quoted the police as saying.

Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini expressed his condolences, praising Mbatha’s talent and humility as a photographer.

According to IOL, the King’s office said Mbatha was behind some of the most iconic pictures of royal events.

“We recall that Mr Mbatha went on to capture and documented the unveiling of the tombstone of the grandmother of the Zulu King in 2017.

“He was one of the leading photographers during the unveiling of the Cato Manor Museum, which includes the grave of Queen Thomozile.

“The unveiling marked the completion of the first phase of a park that will ultimately include a hotel and restaurants,” the report quoted the office as saying.

The ANC in the province called on top police officials to thoroughly investigate the murder, expressing concern over the rising brutality of crimes and the threat it poses to citizens’ safety.

Police have opened a murder case in response to the incident.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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