Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule Dismisses Witchcraft Rumors Surrounding Ukhozi FM Presenter Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s Death

Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, the husband of the late Ukhozi FM presenter Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, has firmly refuted rumors suggesting that his wife was a victim of witchcraft, leading to her untimely death. Zanele, who was 52 years old, passed away on Monday, 12 August, after a difficult battle with lung cancer. Despite her tragic passing, some individuals have speculated that her death was caused by supernatural forces, particularly because of her association with Ukhozi FM.

Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule had recently made a triumphant return to Ukhozi FM in 2023, after a 23-year hiatus. Her return was met with excitement by her fans, who had missed her presence on the airwaves. However, her return was unfortunately short-lived, as she was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2024. Despite this diagnosis, rumors began to circulate that Zanele had been bewitched, with some pointing fingers at her colleagues at Ukhozi FM.

In response to these baseless accusations, Bishop Nkambule decided to set the record straight. He emphasized that Zanele’s death was not due to any form of witchcraft, but rather the result of a serious illness. “Ukhozi didn’t bewitch her, and people from Ukhozi FM didn’t bewitch her. She was diagnosed with lung cancer,” Bishop Nkambule stated. He went on to explain that death is an inevitable part of life, and in Zanele’s case, it was simply her time. “She died because God called her, and we all know that one day we will die. So, everyone knows this. There’s no witchcraft or something bad done by Ukhozi FM to her.”

Bishop Nkambule also took the opportunity to express his gratitude towards the Ukhozi FM team, highlighting how supportive and kind they were to Zanele during her illness. “All Ukhozi FM people have been good to her and very precious to her, and she spoke well about all of them. I just want to make that clear so that all of you know,” he said, putting to rest any doubts about the nature of Zanele’s death.

Zanele’s health began to deteriorate in April 2024, just a few months after her return to the radio station. She was initially unable to present her Sunday show, Eshilo, due to feeling unwell. Although she briefly recovered and returned to the airwaves the following week, her condition worsened, and she struggled to complete her show. She was subsequently hospitalized, where doctors diagnosed her with lung cancer.

Zanele’s initial symptoms included fatigue and shortness of breath—symptoms similar to those experienced by another Ukhozi FM presenter, Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu, who also passed away in March 2024. However, the cause of Bheka’s death remains unknown, adding to the speculation surrounding Zanele’s passing.

Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule will be laid to rest on Saturday, 17 August, at Mariannhill Cemetery. A funeral service will be held in her honor at the Durban ICC in KwaZulu-Natal. As her family, friends, and colleagues prepare to say their final goodbyes, Bishop Nkambule’s words serve as a reminder to focus on the love and legacy Zanele left behind, rather than the unfounded rumors that have surfaced in the wake of her death.