Award-winning singer-songwriter Bongeziwe Mabandla has made an urgent appeal for help after his mother was allegedly scammed and robbed in KuGompo, East London.
Mabandla took to social media to share CCTV images of two women he says are connected to the incident, appealing to the public to help identify them.
“I urgently need your help please guys. These ladies on this video scammed my mom on the 14th Aug around 12:30 after she bought furniture at Sahds, they stole the furniture and her whole bag,” he wrote.
He said the footage allegedly shows the two women withdrawing money from his mother’s bank account.
“This is the two of them withdrawing from my mothers account. The two ladies at the AM. I really need to find! I will appreciate any help,” he added.
Mabandla’s post has since drawn attention from members of the public, with the musician asking anyone who may recognise the women or have information about the incident to come forward.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and it was not immediately clear whether a police case had been opened or whether anyone had been arrested.
Crime concerns in KuGompo
The incident comes against the backdrop of significant reported crime in the KuGompo policing precinct, which covers East London.
According to crime data based on SAPS figures for April 2025 to March 2026, the precinct recorded 5,556 reported crimes during the year, a 3.7% decrease compared with the previous year. Theft was among the biggest crime categories, with 834 cases of theft not otherwise classified and 526 cases of theft from motor vehicles reported. Commercial crime accounted for a further 495 cases.
The precinct also recorded 1,622 violent crimes and 1,287 property-related crimes during the period, while 49 murders were reported. These are precinct-level figures and do not mean that every incident occurred in KuGompo itself.
The latest figures underline the wider challenge faced by residents and businesses in the area, particularly when it comes to theft and property-related offences.
From Tsolo to international stages
Mabandla’s appeal has also placed the spotlight on the artist’s deep connection to the Eastern Cape.
Born and raised in the rural town of Tsolo, Mabandla grew up surrounded by music and began performing from a young age. He later moved to Johannesburg to study at AFDA, where he developed his creative identity and began pursuing music professionally.
His music journey began taking shape with his debut album, Umlilo, released in 2012. He subsequently released Mangaliso in 2017 and iiMini in 2020, building a reputation for blending isiXhosa storytelling, folk influences and contemporary electronic sounds.
His work has taken him from South African stages to international festivals and tours, establishing him as one of the country’s leading alternative and African soul voices.
Mabandla has also earned major recognition during his career, including South African Music Awards and a Metro FM Music Award for Best African Pop.
A new chapter with Ndingubani
In June 2026, Mabandla released his latest album, Ndingubani, an 18-track project centred on identity, personal growth, resilience, relationships and the experiences that have shaped him. The title translates to “Who am I?” in isiXhosa.
The album marks another deeply personal chapter for the singer, who has continued to draw from his Eastern Cape roots while expanding his sound and international profile.
In recent months, Mabandla has also toured South Africa in support of the album, performing in cities including East London, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Gqeberha and Durban.
Now, away from the stage and music, the singer is using his public platform for something much more personal: helping his mother.
His appeal remains focused on finding the two women he says appear in the footage and getting answers over what happened to his mother, her belongings and the money allegedly withdrawn from her account.
