ActionSA mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo visits Mazwi Kubheka after his hospital discharge in Vosloorus. Photo by Happy Mnguni
ActionSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo and anti-immigration activist Nkosikhona Ndabandaba visited Mazwi Kubheka on Wednesday, 20 May, at a secure, undisclosed location after allegations of Kubheka’s kidnapping. Video by Happy Mnguni. pic.twitter.com/VJ9TLPWDK3
— Daily Sun (@dailysunsa) May 20, 2026
ACTIONSA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo, together with anti-immigration activist Nkosikhona “Phakelumthakathi” Ndabandaba, visited Vosloorus spaza shop owner Mazwi Kubheka on Wednesday afternoon, 20 May, at an undisclosed location.
The visit comes after Mazwi was discharged from hospital following three weeks of medical treatment after his alleged kidnapping ordeal.
Mazwi (27) went missing for nearly a month after he was allegedly abducted on 2 April 2026, amid an ongoing dispute linked to his spaza shop business in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni.
Mazwi’s family said he had allegedly been pressured to hand over his business to foreign nationals seeking control of the township’s informal retail economy.
It’s alleged that a man known as “Zulu” threatened him to sell the shop before his disappearance.
Found alive after the shutdown protest
Mazwi was found alive on 2 May, following widespread community protests and a shutdown in Vosloorus demanding his safe return.
During a police media briefing on 3 May, authorities revealed that Mazwi had allegedly been held captive at a hijacked building by Malawian nationals, allegedly with the involvement of South African citizens.
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Police investigations into the alleged kidnapping and torture are continuing.
“When communities unite, anything is possible.”
Speaking after the visit, Khumalo said Mazwi’s return highlighted the power of community unity and activism.
“Mazwi being back home is proof that when communities stand together, all things are possible. Residents refused to stay silent and demanded justice,” said Khumalo.
He added that communities must continue fighting against crime and intimidation affecting kasi businesses.
Nkosikhona “Phakelumthakathi” Ndabandaba reacts to alleged meeting of foreign business owners at Vosloorus police station.
Concerns over an alleged meeting at the police station
Meanwhile, Ndabandaba expressed concern over allegations that foreign national business owners held a stakeholders’ meeting at the Vosloorus Police Station on Wednesday.
Ndabandaba questioned the purpose of the meeting and called for transparency from authorities regarding issues affecting local business owners and community safety.
The location of Mazwi’s visit was withheld from the media for security reasons.
The SunTeam was among the media present who visited Mazwi and attempted to interview him.
However, he indicated he is not yet ready to speak publicly, as he remains emotionally traumatised and continues to feel unsafe.
He further stated that he’ll address the media when the time is right.
It’s further understood that he’s currently attending psychological counselling sessions.