Relatives, friends, church members and many members of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), dressed in their camouflage uniforms, braved the cold weather on Monday, 1 May, to give the late BMF leader Thivhileli Hlungwani, known as "General Masipala", a befitting send-off. The funeral service, following a memorial service the day before, was held at his home at Muledane, outside Thohoyandou.
The 32-year-old businessman and tycoon was shot execution style at a restaurant opposite Thavhani Mall along the R524 road in the early hours of Sunday, 23 April. Masipala was accompanied by a woman at the time, identified as Sithonga Xhamla Sabelwe (27).
The funeral proceedings were conducted under strict police observation. A contingent of police members, some dressed in uniform and others in plain clothes, were strategically positioned, with nyala trucks surrounding the venue. A group of police officials were also stationed at the circle at the entrance of Muledane village, while the SAPS's camera team recorded the proceedings on video.
Speakers at the funeral painted a bright picture of the alleged crime kingpin, describing him as a caring, peaceful and generous man. His grief-stricken mother, Ms Mashudu Tshikororo Hlungwani, took everyone by surprise when she ascended the stage to share her agony over the death of her beloved son. "My heart is torn into pieces. I never in my life thought I would be the one to bury my son, but here I am today. I was not comfortable when he was made leader of the BMF, but he told me it was his decision and that he accepted the position. I am so hurt. I thought I was done taking care of children, but I am starting all over again as I now must look after his five kids," she said.
Unlike the funeral services of most other underground figures, which are characterised by gunshots and spinning cars, Masipala's burial transpired much more peacefully. Only three shots were fired while the casket was lowered into his grave.
Masipala assumed the leadership position of the BMF after the death of the Jerusalema/Tshisole leader, Mr Arno Mudau (40), who died in an accident in 2022. The accident remains a mystery to this day as not much is known about it.
Masipala is the second Tshisole leader to have died violently where gang warfare is suspected. In 2021, another Jerusalema/Tshisole leader, Mr Naledzani Munyai (44), was also killed execution style. His bullet-riddled body was found in the bushes in the Tshidzivhe area. He had been missing for almost a week before his body was discovered.