Mpumalanga businessman Sam Chabalala was granted R200 000 bail at the Witbank Magistrate Court. He was hugged and cheered by his employees who had filled the court to support him Photo Thulani Mbele. 16/09/2019
Sam Holdings owner, Sam “Mshengu” Chabalala, who is on R200,000 bail, says he is saddened by the senseless killing of his manager, Nkosinathi Ngcongo who was gunned down at the company’s premises in Bethal.
30-year-old Ngcongo, was shot several times when he was about to leave a Sam Holdings depot in Bethal, Mpumalanga.
Ngcongo had been interviewed by the Hawks in relation to the investigation into Chabalala’s citizenship.
Chabalala said he would hire a private investigator to probe the murder of Ngcongo, whom he regarded as a friend and brother.
“I’m going to appoint a private investigator who will assist me and get to the bottom of what happened with regard to the shooting of Ngcongo. Anyone who’s got information about what happened to my employee and brother Nathi … I will really appreciate that information which will assist the police,” he said.
“Nathi was my brother and his family is mine too, and I will do everything in my power to assist Nathi’s family with burial costs.”
Asked about the charges he is facing, Mshengu said, “I remain resolute that I’m innocent. My time will come to take a stand in court and expose the Hawks for who they are because these charges are fabricated.”
“I will comply with my bail condition. I would also like to express my gratitude to my wife, family, employees and everyone who supported me during this difficult time,” he said.
The businessman is facing charges of fraud, bribery, contravention of Immigration Act and being in possession of unlicensed firearm.
His case will be back in court on 22 October 2019.
