Musangwe star arrested

A local fist-fighting champion was arrested by the Thohoyandou police on three charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and two charges of malicious damage to property.

Thohoyandou police spokesman Major Mashudu Malelo confirmed that they had arrested Ntakadzeni “Cybock” Madala (25) last Wednesday. “We arrested Madala on allegations that he had smashed window panes and removed burglar bars of several houses at Makonde. We are also investigating allegations that he had also damaged the doors of houses before going into the houses and assaulting the occupants. It is also alleged that he had assaulted a three-month-old baby and some pensioners,” says Malelo.

The incidents took place last Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to a local councillor, Mr Thivhulawi Gundula, they received reports that a man was behaving like a madman. He had allegedly forced himself into houses and attacked innocent people, including children and pensioners. When they fled their homes, he went to the next house and did the same. He added that he had exchanged blows with the man during the incident.

Malelo confirmed that Madala appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday (10 March) and will appear in court again today (Friday).  “Right now, we want him to be assessed by a doctor at Donald Frazer Hospital to see if he is mentally fit.”

Gundulo added that fistfighting should be abolished because it causes a lot of problems. “These men are using black magic to win their fights. Now it is hitting back, because they only fight occasionally. The magic wants him to fight, hence he is behaving like a madman now.” According to him, Musangwe fighting is not benefitting the boys as they can’t make a living from it.  Only the promoters profit by selling the DVDs.

Mr John Khubana of JTK Promotions disagrees with Gundula.  “Musangwe is not just a game.  It is part of Venda culture.  Many people are proud of it. What Gundula is saying is untrue.  These are unfounded allegations. If you go to psychiatric wards in hospitals, you will rarely find a former fistfighter,” he added.

Date:14 March 2014

By: Ndivhuwo Musetha

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