The Tragic Death of Lucky Dube: A Court Account
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The Tragic Death of Lucky Dube: A Court Account
On October 18, 2007, reggae legend Lucky Dube was fatally shot during a botched carjacking in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. According to state witness Mpho Maruping, her husband Thabo Maruping had confessed his involvement in the hijacking attempt that led to Dube’s death.
Mpho testified in the Johannesburg High Court, recounting the events of that fateful evening. Her husband, Thabo, and three men – S’fiso Mhlanga, Ludwe Gxowa, and Mbuti Mabe – were hunting for a Chrysler to hijack. When they spotted Dube’s Chrysler, they pounced, firing two shots. Dube crashed his car into a tree and died on the spot.
About an hour later, the alleged killers returned to the scene to see if anyone had recognized them. Mpho revealed that her husband told her that Mhlanga didn’t realize he had shot Lucky Dube, thinking he was Nigerian.
The court heard that Thabo Maruping had initially been charged with Dube’s murder but turned state witness. Mpho’s testimony implicated the three men on trial for murder, robbery, attempted robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.
David Mohlabai, a panel beater, also testified, stating that Mabe had contacted him to repair his car’s bodywork two days after the murder.
The trial concluded with the alleged killers being found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in Lucky Dube’s tragic death.
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