Two years after a shocking family tragedy in which a man’s wife and daughter were gunned down and his young grandson shot but survived, justice has finally been served.
The judge at Scottburgh High Court found the accused, 39-year-old Nkanyiso Colleen Ndlovu guilty and sentenced him to three life terms for the double murder and attempted murder, along with an additional 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Chairperson of the ANC Women’s League, Doreen Manzi who was had just celebrated her 70th birthday and their daughter, Zanele Manzi who was 39-years-old together with her seven-year-old son was gunned down in their home in Bottlebrush on 6 August 2023 at about 5pm.
The stellar investigations conducted by super-slueth Detective Sergeant Ndumiso Stanley Khambule has resulted in the incarceration of a violent and heinous criminal.
Communications officer of SAPS Chatsworth, Captain Cheryl Pillay said: “The court heard the harrowing sequence of events from the lead investigator Sgt Khambule and witnesses who stated that Ndlovu had returned to the Bottlebrush Informal Settlement to visit his seven-year-old. Upon arrival an altercation occurred with his girlfriend with Ndlovu retaliating by shooting his girlfriend’s mother then shooting his girlfriend. His girlfriend tried to escape however Ndlovu followed her and she was fatally wounded. Ndlovu then callously shot his child. Both mother and girlfriend died at the scene with the child transported to a local hospital. Ndlovu fled towards Pietermaritzburg then to Orlando Soweto.”
Sgt Khambule worked around the clock until an informant exposed the whereabouts of Ndlovu. At the time, Sgt Khambule was on a course when this information was received.
“Acting swiftly, Lieutenant Colonel Singh activated the assistance of Orlando Police where Ndlovu was arrested. The Tracing Team from Chatsworth then proceeded to Gauteng where Ndlovu was transported back to KwaZulu-Natal. On 17 February 2025, Ndlovu appeared before the Chatsworth Magistrates Court where Sgt Khambule successfully opposed bail citing the accused as a flight risk. Sgt Khambule, a high flyer at Chatsworth Police Station travelled to Pietermaritzburg then to Scottburgh Court fetching witnesses as well as drop off during court appearances. Khambule understood the vital role the witnesses played in securing this conviction.
“The judge and prosecutor acknowledged the thorough and meticulous evidence given by Sgt Khambule which resulted in this incarceration. The management acknowledges the sterling investigations conducted resulting in this successful conviction. This triple life sentence during Women’s Month sends a clear message that police will ensure that criminals will be placed behind bars away from society. Chatsworth Police remain committed towards addressing crimes committed against women and children,” Cpt Pillay said.
Bongani Khumalo, the husband of Doreen said that he can now breathe a sigh of some sort of relief for the justice he received for his wife and daughter, however this does not negate the fact that they cannot be brought back.
He said: “I was in a ward committee meeting and on the day of tragic events, I spoke to my wife at 4:55pm, at about 5:15pm when I called back she was no longer. My grandson who is now fine, was shot on the left side of his chest and the bullet lodged through the side damaging his lungs. My wife was well-known in our community and also worked as a caregiver in the area. She was good to everyone, a loving and caring person who will be forever missed. For her funeral, I had to ask eThekwini Municipality to donate two buses as there was an influx of community members wanting to attend her funeral at the farm.”
Khumalo described his daughter, Zanele as a fair and determined young lady who was well respected and educated. She was a mother to three children.
“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks and appreciation to the community who has helped me, stood by me during this challenging time and was most of all extremely good to me. Detective Khambule has done a meticulous job and he became a part of my family,” Khumalo said.
Thevan Dhavraj, director of SA Outreach and Emergency Services said: “We are excited. Justice has been served. This sentencing is sending out a message to people who choose to take law into their own hands. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major problem in our country and this is Women’s Month, this could not have happened at a better time.”
