For some, he was a gangster, poaching kingpin and all-around villain. Others mourn the death of a hero and philanthropist. Police and security sources have warned that the funeral of Petros Sydney Mabuza this weekend could turn violent.
Various police and security sources had warned of potential violence in and around Hazyview leading up to the funeral of alleged rhino poaching kingpin, Petros Sydney Mabuza on June 27.
Mabuza, also known to many as Mshengu and “Mr Big”, was gunned down while sitting in his Ford Ranger on June 17 outside the Engen in Hazyview.
Rumours and speculation about the motivation behind the execution style attack have been swirling since his death. The provincial police have opened a case of murder and attempted murder, as an unknown elderly passer-by was also injured during the shoot-out.
Lowvelder has not been able to establish who the investigating officer will be.
However, the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) spokesperson, Capt Lucy Dineo Sekgotodi, said, “There was a proposal for DPCI to take all the dockets, but apparently after discussions between the commanders, the decision was made that the case would remain in the relevant stations and we are not going to take them”.
Meanwhile, there has been a mass of mixed reactions to Mabuza’s death, with some labelling him a hero to the community and others deeming him a villain.
Mabuza had various court cases against him, two of which were related to poaching. Lt Col Leroy Bruwer was the investigating officer in these cases.
Bruwer was gunned down in broad daylight on the outskirts of Mbombela in 2020 and his death complicated the state’s case against Mabuza.
The Mpumalanga spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, said the cases against the deceased would now be withdrawn, though the state would continue with its case against the other accused in the case – one of them being Joseph “Big Joe” Nyalungu.
When Lowvelder visited the site of the murder this week, there were a candle in a pouch with the inscription “SABA” and a flower wreath placed at the spot. A friend of Mabuza’s, who wished to remain anonymous, came to pay his last respects and said Mabuza had not touched a rhino horn since 2018.
An eyewitness to the murder, who now lives in for fear of his life, said although he had known Mabuza as a good man, he would not go anywhere near the funeral on Sunday, stating it would be too dangerous.
“Everything sort of went back to normal after Mabuza was killed here at the shopping complex, but residents are really divided about how they feel,” he said. “Some people are crying about his death and other people are celebrating. I am too scared to go. I think there will be violence.”
The eyewitness had previously described his terror at watching two armed men gunning Mabuza down the day he died; he had stood just a few metres away from the incident.
CCTV footage from a nearby business captured his execution. It shows a group of men getting out of a black VW Polo. Some people who are standing by Mabuza’s car are seen running away as the gunmen start shooting.
The video shows the assailants spending time at Mabuza’s bakkie before fleeing the scene. Sources have said they believe the assailants were looking for guns and cash inside the vehicle.
Mabuza was rushed to the Kiaat Private Hospital in Mbombela where he succumbed to his wounds.
The acting provincial police commissioner, Maj Gen Thulani Phahla, condemned the murder. “No one has a right to take another person’s life, regardless of the reasons. We are optimistic that members of the community will share information with the police so that the perpetrators can be brought to book in an instant.”
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, four family members were also killed in an execution style in Madras (near Hazyview) on June 16.
The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, released a statement last week condemning the murders of these family members.
He said, “The police must work around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators are punished and that no criminals should be allowed to rest while they terrorise our communities.”
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