Tributes Pour in for Businessman Killed in Sandton Shooting
Tributes continue to pour in for Gauteng businessman Sphamandla Mabonga, who passed away after a shooting incident at Solo restaurant in Sandton on Thursday night.
Mabonga’s two bodyguards were killed at the scene, while he later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
On Friday afternoon, National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, confirmed Mabonga’s death.
Providing details of the incident, Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that a man carrying a firearm attempted to enter the restaurant, which enforces a strict no-firearm policy. An altercation ensued, resulting in a shootout between the man’s bodyguards and the restaurant’s security personnel.
Two of the bodyguards died at the scene, while five others, including the man involved, two patrons, a CPF member, and a security guard, suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital.
The man who allegedly attempted to enter the restaurant later died from his injuries.
Police have also confirmed that the deceased had previously been arrested in connection with another shooting incident in Sandton in January 2024.
Authorities are currently investigating cases of murder and attempted murder.