A Johannesburg informal trader has been praised for intervening in an alleged attack that could have had fatal consequences near the Bree Street Taxi Rank.
Sibusiso Ngcobo was trading in the area on 29 September when he noticed 26-year-old Boitumelo Mazibuko on the ground. At first, he believed the woman had fallen and might need help. However, when he moved closer, he realised she was allegedly being attacked by her former boyfriend, 45-year-old Siyabonga Msimanga.
Ngcobo said he saw Msimanga allegedly stabbing Mazibuko repeatedly while she was on the ground. Despite her injuries, the young woman managed to get back on her feet and attempted to escape.
According to Ngcobo, Msimanga allegedly followed her, caught up with her and threw her to the ground again. The attacker then allegedly attempted to slit her throat.
Seeing what was happening, Ngcobo decided to intervene. He kicked Msimanga in the head, causing him to lose his balance and fall.
The intervention gave Mazibuko an opportunity to survive the attack. Ngcobo said the suspect then picked up the knife and chased after him before eventually fleeing the area.
Recalling the incident, Ngcobo said Mazibuko repeatedly pleaded with the man to stop.
“She kept saying she was tired and that he must stop because she did not have the strength,” he said.
Mazibuko was rushed to hospital following the attack. She has since been discharged from intensive care but remains under medical treatment.
Her mother, Lebohang Zikode, said the attack left her daughter with serious injuries. According to Zikode, Mazibuko has lost sensation in her left leg. Doctors reportedly believe that one of the stab wounds, located near her spine, may have damaged a nerve.
The family is now dealing with the physical consequences of the alleged attack while seeking answers about what led to the incident.
Zikode further alleged that Msimanga later contacted her and admitted to stabbing her daughter. She claimed that he asked for forgiveness and offered R20,000 as an apology.
Ngcobo said several taxi drivers later approached him and warned him about the man he had confronted. They allegedly told him that Msimanga was known in the area for being violent and dangerous.
Despite those warnings, Ngcobo’s decision to intervene provided crucial assistance during the attack.
Zikode expressed her gratitude to the informal trader, saying his actions may have prevented her daughter’s death.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by women in abusive or violent relationships. While the full circumstances surrounding the attack will need to be established through the legal process, Mazibuko’s recovery remains a priority for her family as she continues receiving medical care.
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