Police in South Africa are investigating the brutal murder of a landlord who was allegedly hacked to death by tenants after a dispute over rent. Menzi Jali, 45, from Parkgate near Durban, was attacked by three men who had been renting rooms on his property, according to local reports.
Rent dispute led to fatal attack
A female relative of the victim told South Africa's Daily Sun that the three suspects moved onto the property in February 2026 and agreed to pay 500 rand (approximately £22) per month in rent. The relative claimed the tenants paid during the first and third months but then stopped paying regularly, sometimes arguing for a reduced amount and other times outright refusing.
On June 19, Jali confronted the men about the outstanding payments. When they refused to pay, he called the police, who persuaded the men to leave. However, the trio allegedly threatened to return. The relative said, “He was scared. He believed they would come back and kill him.” Jali contacted a family member who joined him at the property due to these fears.
Attack and aftermath
The former tenants allegedly returned with a sharp weapon and attacked Jali. The relative recounted, “He ran away and they followed him until they caught him. They assaulted him and chopped off his arms.” She also alleged that the suspects threatened anyone who spoke about the killing.
The rental apartments belonged to Jali’s mother, who had left them to him as a source of income. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that Verulam police have opened a murder case. A statement read: “It is alleged that the victim was socialising with his tenants when an altercation ensued. The victim was allegedly assaulted with a sharp object which led to his demise. The suspects are still at large.”
Investigation ongoing
Police investigations are continuing. The incident has shocked the local community, highlighting tensions in rental disputes. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
