Sphamandla Mabong killed in a shooting at Solo restaurant in Sandton
Sphamandla Mabong was killed in a shooting at Solo restaurant in Sandton
- Sphamandla Mabong was killed in a shooting at Solo restaurant in Sandton on March 7, 2025, with three total deaths and four injuries reported.
- The evidence leans toward the incident involving a dispute over the restaurant’s no-firearm policy, escalating into violence.
- Research suggests Mabong had a history of violent incidents, including a prior arrest for a similar shooting in 2024.
On March 7, 2025, at 01:39 PM SAST, a violent shooting at Solo restaurant in Sandton claimed the life of Sphamandla Mabong, a prominent businessman with a troubled history, alongside two of his bodyguards, and left four others injured. This incident, occurring in a popular dining spot known for its upscale atmosphere, has sparked significant concern about gun violence and security in public spaces. The following detailed analysis provides a comprehensive overview based on available reports and witness accounts, ensuring a thorough understanding of the event and its implications.
Incident Details
The shooting took place at Solo restaurant, located in Sandton, a bustling area known for its nightlife and dining options. According to police reports, the incident unfolded when Sphamandla Mabong, accompanied by his armed bodyguards, attempted to enter the restaurant around late Thursday night. The establishment enforces a strict no-firearm policy, which led to an altercation between Mabong’s guards and the restaurant’s security personnel. This dispute escalated rapidly, resulting in a shootout that left three people dead and four wounded. Police confirmed that two of Mabong’s bodyguards were declared dead at the scene, while Mabong himself was rushed to Morningside Clinic but succumbed to his injuries upon arrival. The four injured individuals included a community policing forum member, two patrons, and a security guard, all of whom were transported to the hospital for treatment. The scene was described as chaotic, with witnesses reporting blood stains and bullet shells scattered across key spots, and crime scene tapes discarded after the incident.
Background on Sphamandla Mabong
Sphamandla Mabong, the central figure in this tragedy, was not a stranger to violence. Reports indicate he was previously arrested in January 2024 for attempted murder following a shooting at Tempo Luxury Restaurant in Sandton, where three people were wounded. That incident involved Mabong and his group attempting forced entry, assaulting a bouncer, and initiating random shooting, leading to charges against him. His connection to celebrity Londie London, noted in various media reports, adds a layer of public interest, with past mentions in entertainment news about their relationship and custody disputes (Londie London’s baby daddy says he’s blocked from seeing kids, denies being a deadbeat father).
Mabong’s history of violence, including the 2024 incident, suggests a pattern that may have contributed to the escalation at Solo restaurant. His prominence as a businessman and his controversial past have made this incident particularly noteworthy, drawing attention to the broader issue of gun violence in South Africa.