Actor Phumlani Vokovi and Wife Nichume Shot Dead in Cape Town Amid Alleged Protection-Fee Dispute

• Actor and artist manager Phumlani Vokovi was shot dead while closing his roadside food stall in Khayelitsha, Cape Town
• His wife, Nichume Vokovi, was later killed at their home, leaving behind children and a devastated community
• Friends claim the killings may be linked to an alleged monthly protection fee demanded from Vokovi's small tripe business

Cape Town has been left in mourning after community activist, actor and artist manager Phumlani Vokovi and his wife, Nichume, were shot dead in separate incidents in Khayelitsha. The killings have sent shockwaves through both the Town Two community and the South African entertainment industry.

Vokovi was reportedly gunned down while shutting up his roadside food stall, where he served tripe for R20 a plate, a modest hustle that friends say he ran as a small-business owner alongside his work in the arts. Nichume was killed afterwards at the couple's home. Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that authorities are investigating two counts of murder. No arrests had been made at the time of publishing.

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What friends say about the killings

While neither the family nor the police have confirmed a motive, friends of Vokovi have pointed to an alleged protection-fee dispute as a possible cause. One person who spoke anonymously said residents in the area were discussing the extortion claims but were too afraid to speak on the record. Another friend alleged that Vokovi had refused to pay the monthly fee that was purportedly demanded from his business.

Friends also revealed that Vokovi did not have a funeral policy, prompting colleagues in the entertainment industry to rally together and raise funds to cover the costs of his burial, according to reports.

ANC delegation visits Vokovi family

On Sunday, 27 September 2026, ANC Dullah Omar Region Chairperson Ndithini Tyhido, Ward 93 Councillor Thando Pimpi and a delegation from the Khayelitsha Cluster visited the Vokovi family to offer their condolences. The ANC described Phumlani as a "community activist and artist" and said the tragedy had left Town Two "deeply shocked and saddened."

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Mzansi reacted with grief and anger to the news. Below are some of the responses:

@Choc_Seruno: "Just like that, their kids are orphans now 💔"

@Nas_Radical: "Bring Back the Death Penalty"

@miffs12: "Tragic"

@amukelani17756: "Death Penalty is the only Solution."

@yos.hi247: "Just a guy trying to make a living why must he pay protection money why did these devils kill him??? This place, Douth Afruca, just gets worse by the minute never mind day! We need new fearless leaders that won't take nonsense from anyone!"

Philiswa Sinelizwi Marman Faba wrote: "Yhuuu nisebenzile yini Umhlekazi yini igqirha lam umhlobo wam yoooo I don't believe bunjani ubomi"

Source: Briefly News