By Anita Dangazele
- Notorious gang leader’s funeral sparks fear as supporters head to small Eastern Cape town of Cofimvaba.
- The municipality bans alcohol sales for a week as police prepare for possible violence at the funeral.
A small Eastern Cape town is preparing for hundreds of mourners expected at the funeral of notorious gang leader Yanga “Bara” Nyalara.
The Intsika Yethu municipality in Cofimvaba has banned alcohol sales from 1 to 8 March over security fears.
Free taxis will bring Nyalara’s supporters from Cape Town to his funeral on Friday. Local guest houses are already fully booked.
Police are planning a heavy presence after hearing rumours that Nyalara’s friends plan to avenge his death.
Nyalara and six others died in a shootout with police on the N2 near Butterworth last Thursday. Police say the group was planning a cash-in-transit heist.
“Police spotted the vehicles near Cofimvaba and tried to stop them, but the suspects sped off. A chase ensued, and backup was called. When the suspects reached Ndabakazi, they opened fire on the police, who retaliated.
“Six suspects were fatally wounded, and firearms were recovered from their vehicles,” said Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa.
Nyalara was cleared of killing 12 people in 2022 after witnesses were killed or withdrew from testifying. Despite his criminal record, many in Khayelitsha saw him as a hero.
Originally from Cofimvaba, he allegedly ran extortion rackets in the taxi industry. Just before his death, he demanded new payments from taxi operators.
This week, Scrolla reported about Facebook posts ordering foreign shop owners in Cape Town to pay R50 each, with hairdressers, tailors and salon owners to pay R20 each.
The post warned that businesses would be shut down if young men sent to collect money returned empty-handed. Further action would be decided after the funeral.
Pictured above: Notorious crime lord Yanga “Bara” Nyalara, who was shot and killed during a shootout with police.
Image source: Sizwe Khoza/Facebook
