A brutal murder in Rivonia, Sandton, involving a Zimbabwean man run over multiple times by a Ford Ranger bakkie, has shocked communities across South Africa and Zimbabwe. The incident, which unfolded on April 5, 2025, was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage and demands for justice.
The victim, Emmanuel Mahamba, a Zimbabwean national, was allegedly run over repeatedly by a Ford Ranger driven by a Ugandan man, who is reported to be the long-term partner of a woman named Ntombi. Ntombi, who has two children with the Ugandan man, had previously been in a relationship with Mahamba earlier this year. According to reports, Ntombi said the relationships were complicated by jealousy and tension, exacerbated by a video showing her with Mahamba that was sent to her partner, escalating the conflict.
On the day of the incident, Mahamba arrived at Ntombi’s workplace, a motorbike parts shop, accompanied by a group of Ugandan men. An altercation ensued after Mahamba allegedly threw stones at the Ford Ranger’s windscreen, breaking it. Ntombi described how her partner reacted by physically assaulting Mahamba before getting into the vehicle and running him over multiple times. The harrowing footage shows Ntombi desperately trying to stop the driver as Mahamba lies on the road.
Eyewitnesses who arrived shortly after the incident have recounted the horror of seeing the victim being run over and the driver fleeing the scene. Despite efforts by bystanders and emergency services, Mahamba died at the scene. The incident reportedly took place in broad daylight at the intersection of Autumn Road and 12th Avenue in Rivonia.
The video’s circulation has led to intense public scrutiny, with many questioning why the alleged perpetrator has not yet been arrested. The Gauteng police confirmed that a murder case has been opened and that investigations are ongoing. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that all leads to trace the suspect are being actively pursued, but no arrests have been made so far. The suspect is believed to have fled the scene and may have left the country.
The SAPS has also assured the public that they are following all leads to apprehend the alleged killer. Nevhuhulwi emphasised that the investigation remains a priority and that the suspect’s vehicle details, including the number plate visible in the video, are being used to track him down.
Meanwhile, Joburg-based activist and lawyer Moreboys Munetsi has been assisting Mahamba’s family with legal support and funeral arrangements. The Zimbabwean community in Johannesburg has rallied to raise funds for the victim’s funeral, and Mahamba’s body has been repatriated to Zimbabwe for burial.
The tragic event has ignited conversations about domestic violence, the dangers of unresolved love triangles, and the urgent need for swift justice. Social media users continue to demand accountability and express frustration over the delay in the suspect’s arrest.
This brutal murder has left a lasting scar on the Sandton community and beyond, underscoring the critical importance of police responsiveness and community vigilance in the fight against violent crime. The SAPS continues its search for the suspect, urging anyone with information to come forward.
