Mzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal – A dramatic turn of events has unfolded at the home of prominent polygamist and reality TV star Musa Mseleku, with police now investigating a murder case following a fatal shooting incident that occurred on Friday, 7 February.
The incident, which initially saw police open an inquest docket and a case of attempted house robbery, now centres around Mseleku's son, Mpumelelo, who allegedly shot and killed an intruder at their home in the Madlala area of Mzumbe, on the KZN South Coast.
It is alleged that a woman working at the house at the time was confronted by the intruder. Overcome with fear, she screamed for help, prompting Mpumelelo to respond. In the ensuing confrontation, Mpumelelo allegedly shot the intruder, resulting in his death.
Following the shooting, police confirmed the opening of a case of attempted house robbery and an inquest docket. However, in a significant development, both the attempted house robbery case and the inquest docket have now been closed, with a murder case officially registered for investigation.
On Friday, 4 April, KZN police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the change in the nature of the investigation. "Southport police opened a case of attempted house robbery and an inquest which later closed, and a case of murder was registered for investigation," he stated.
Attempts to reach Mpumelelo Mseleku for comment have been unsuccessful. Multiple calls to his phone went unanswered, and a WhatsApp message sent to him also received no response. Similarly, Musa Mseleku was contacted, with calls going unanswered and a WhatsApp message left unread.
Musa Mseleku Praises Son's "Bravery" Amidst Allegations
The incident has drawn considerable attention, particularly given the Mseleku family's public profile. Last month, Musa Mseleku lauded his son, Mpumelelo, for his bravery, shortly after the allegations of the shooting first surfaced.
The Mseleku family is widely known for their appearances on Uthando Ne S’thembu and Izingane Zes’thembu, reality shows that offer a glimpse into their polygamous lifestyle. The allegations surrounding Mpumelelo's involvement in the fatal shooting quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion and speculation.
According to online reports, the armed intruder forcefully entered their home in Mzumbe, South Coast, while one of the staff members was performing her duties, demanding to see one of Musa’s sons. Panicked, the staff member triggered the alarm, leading to the confrontation between Mpumelelo and the intruder. It is alleged that the unknown man was shot four times.
Following the incident, Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that an inquest document had been opened. “Reports indicate that a woman was performing her duties. An unknown armed man entered the house. He demanded to see her employer’s son. The woman screamed for help; her employer’s son responded to her call for help and shot the man,” said Robert.
In the wake of the home invasion, Musa Mseleku took to his Instagram page to praise his son in a post that, while somewhat vague, was widely interpreted as a reference to the shooting incident. He posted a picture of himself and his son, captioned with his famous line: “Sbindi uyabulala, futhi uyaphilisa” (courage kills and heals).
The post elicited a range of reactions from Instagram users, with many praising Mpumelelo's actions.
“He is a man indeed, isibindi anaso sine futha eceleni (he is courageous),” one user commented.
Another user wrote: “Every man would be lucky to have a son that can protect umndeni (family) when the going gets tough.”
A third user added: “Big up to the boy he’s ready to protect the family.”
Intruder's Motives and Possible Connection to Mseleku's Fifth Wife
While the police investigation is ongoing, alleged witnesses and neighbours have suggested a possible motive for the intruder's actions, linking him to Musa Mseleku's fifth wife, Samukelisiwe Khwela. These unconfirmed reports suggest that the intruder may have been a former boyfriend of Khwela.
One netizen, identified as SPHE000GP, offered a backstory on social media, stating: "He came for Mseleku, not the son. He asked, 'Where's that dog Mseleku?' because he snatched his girlfriend from him, allegedly. The guy is from the area; he is known as number five's boyfriend."
These claims, while circulating online, remain unsubstantiated and have not been confirmed by police. However, they add a layer of intrigue to the case, raising questions about the intruder's true intentions and the potential dynamics within the Mseleku family.
Musa Mseleku: From Journalist to Reality TV Star
Musa Mseleku's journey to fame has been an unconventional one. Born in 1975 in Mzumbe, Kwa-Madlala, he began his education at Denver Zoar Mission School in Umzumbe before attending Prince Ngamizizwe School. In 1993, he matriculated from Sister Joan’s High School and later graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 1997.
Mseleku's career began in journalism at Durban Youth Radio before he transitioned into the business world. He also holds a position as the head of rural areas at the Ugu District Municipality, where he plays an active role in community development initiatives.
Musa gained widespread recognition as a reality TV star, first appearing on the Mzansi Magic show Uthando Nesthembu, which provides viewers with an intimate look into the lives of a polygamous family. He also stars as the host of Mnakwethu, another Mzansi Magic show that explores the complexities of polygamy, a subject deeply intertwined with his personal life.
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