Dad: Njabulo died before my eyes

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInNewsDad: Njabulo died before my eyes By: Happy Mnguni • 3h agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandMduduzi Ngcongo Mandela is heartbroken by his son’s death. Bullets cut son’s dreams shortDAD’S heartbreaking goodbye after deadly Katlehong shooting.

Mduduzi Ngcongo Mandela (58) will never forget the heartbreaking moment he closed his son’s eyes after doctors failed to save his life following a deadly shooting in Katlehong North.

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Njabulo (23), died at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital after he was shot when a gunman opened fire on ANC members on Tuesday, 13 October.

The grieving dad said he rushed to the scene after he received a desperate call informing him his son had been shot.

One of my sons called me and said: ‘Baba, come. Njabulo’s been shot.’ I managed to get transport to the scene.

When Mduduzi arrived, he found Njabulo lying on the ground, bleeding heavily and struggling to speak.

“He was trying to talk to me, but couldn’t because he had lost so much blood. When I looked around, I saw other people lying on the ground, some in pools of blood,” he said.

Mduduzi said he called for an ambulance, hoping his son would survive.

When paramedics arrived, Njabulo was rushed to hospital, with his dad accompanying him in the ambulance.

On the way to hospital, Mduduzi listened anxiously as emergency workers tried to resuscitate his son.

“I heard them asking how long it’d take to reach the hospital. The driver said we were about five minutes away. The ambulance was speeding and the emergency workers were doing all they could to save him,” he said.

When they arrived at the hospital, Njabulo was rushed into the emergency unit, leaving his dad waiting anxiously for news.

Mduduzi said he approached a doctor to find out what was happening, but he feared the worst when the doctor struggled to explain the situation.

Moments later, the doctor returned with the devastating news that his son couldn’t be saved.

“The doctor came out and said: ‘I’m sorry. We tried our best, but we couldn’t save him.’ I went inside and closed my son’s eyes as he lay there dead.

“It was painful. My son died before my eyes. I’m still struggling to accept that he’s gone,” he said.

But the family’s pain goes beyond losing a beloved son. Njabulo’s mum, Nomandla (54), said he dreamt of changing their lives for the better.

“Just like other kids, he hoped to change our lives and dreamt of improving his own life. Sadly, Njabulo will never fulfil his dreams because his life was cut short,” she said.

Nomandla described her son as a young man who loved singing and was an ANC member who regularly attended events where he could sing.

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She said he had also promised to improve the family’s living conditions and buy them a house.

“He always told us one day he’d change our situation and buy us a house. It’s heartbreaking that he died before fulfilling that dream,” she said.

Njabulo was among seven people reportedly shot while returning from the memorial service of Jeanette Magugu, a 51-year-old ANC and ANC Youth League leader who was shot dead earlier this month.

The shooting happened in Sophangisa Street, Katlehong North around 6.50pm. Two men, aged 21 and 23, were fatally wounded, while five others aged between 12 and 27 sustained gunshot injuries, according to Gauteng police.

Police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Moridili confirmed that a suspect handed himself over to police and was in custody.

The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team is investigating cases of murder and attempted murder.

The shooting has left families grieving and raised renewed concerns about gun violence in the community.

Multimedia Journalist at the Daily Sun, committed to producing accurate, impactful, and community-focused journalism. He is passionate about telling stories that inform, inspire, and amplify the voices of ordinary people. Approaches every assignment with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

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