adminH-Metro Reporter
TWO weeks ago, Ishmael Nkata promised his clients summer weekends of their lifetime.
The businessman, affectionately known as Mandebvu, had a reason to be optimistic.
He had just reopened his joint, The Gardens, in Cape Town, after it was closed earlier this year in the wake of a shooting at the same place.
“Your summer weekends won’t be the same again,” Mandebvu, who is from Kwekwe, posted on his social media handles.
“We have an exciting outdoor entertainment experience in store for you all#GARDENAIRS.”
That was on October 15.
On Friday night, he was dead, killed in a hail of bullets, in Cape Town.
Mandebvu’s killing remains a mystery.
But, it’s something which is quite common in one of the world’s most dangerous cities.
His social media footprint appears to suggest there was something on his mind.
“Through it all, I stand tall, no weapon formed against me shall prosper,” he posted.
“Even those who pretend to be your friends but they talk (s***) about you.”
He was an economic empowerment champion, being the chairman of the Economic Empowerment Group in Cape Town.
In April this year, he posted a photo of some people making coffins, on his social media pages.
He also posted a message, which read “I’m Elvis Nyathi, Elvis Nyathi is me,” in solidarity with the Zimbabwean man who was murdered during the xenophobia madness.
His former primary school has lost a Good Samaritan.
“Last year, I visited my old primary school and I was disheartened by the current state of the school, what started as just a school visit, has now turned into a project to rebuild where we can.
“I knew I couldn’t stand and watch as my childhood memories vanish right before my eyes and not do something about it.
“We have started a committee to gather ideas and see what best help we can give the school.
“The list is endless and we can’t fix it all but, with the little we can do, it will bring change to the school. I don’t have much but I know someone out there feels the same and we would appreciate any help or donation in building materials, paint, soccer kits and girls netball uniforms.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter