Mabusi Ntuli, Lesbian Spaza Shop Owner and Artist, Gunned Down in KZN

Mabusi Ntuli, a lesbian spaza shop owner and artist, was brutally gunned down on her birthday in KwaZulu-Natal in what appears to be a targeted attack.

According to the 44-year-old woman’s sister, Mafuthi, the horrific incident took place on the night of 29 January at Mabusi’s Illovu township home, from where she also operated a spaza [informal] shop. The woman had just hours earlier celebrated her birthday.

Targeted Attack by Unknown Assailants

Reports indicate that two unknown young men wearing caps had earlier bought liquor from Mabusi’s shop before returning later that night. Mabusi, who was with a male friend, assumed they had come to buy additional goods, such as cigarettes.

Unexpectedly, one of the men, who was carrying a backpack, pulled out a gun. While Mabusi was turned away, he repeatedly shot her in the back. When she collapsed, he continued firing.

Mabusi’s friend, who tried to help her, was shot in the finger. It is believed that a total of 15 bullets were fired. The motive remains unknown, but it appears that Mabusi was deliberately targeted. No arrests have been made.

“They didn’t take anything, so it wasn’t a robbery,” a devastated Mafuthi told MambaOnline. “At the moment, we don’t know who shot her or who organised the guy who shot her.” She also couldn’t confirm if Mabusi’s sexuality might have been linked to her murder.

Mabusi Ntuli Was A Kind-Hearted and Creative Soul

Mabusi, who leaves behind her partner, was described as a fun and kind-hearted person with a creative side that she had been actively developing.

“She was an artist who did ceramic pottery and made jewellery. She loved making jewellery,” said Mafuthi. “She loved everyone and always wanted to help. Everyone is crying because of her kindness,” she added mournfully.

Hlengiwe Buthelezi, Director of the KwaZulu-Natal LGBT Recreation organisation, expressed her shock at her friend Mabusi’s murder. She also believes the attack was not random or robbery-related.

“If you look at the way she was shot, it clearly tells you this person wanted nothing but to take her life,” said Buthelezi. She speculated that Mabusi might have been targeted by a male competitor resentful of her success. “Because no lesbian woman or female can beat him—no female can behave like a man and have a business more successful than his,” she said.

Buthelezi lamented the ongoing scourges of LGBTIQ+ hate crimes and gender-based violence in South Africa, calling for more resources to combat these social ills.

Following a memorial service on Thursday, Mabusi Ntuli will be laid to rest on Saturday, 8 February 2025.