Nhlanhla Lux Clashes With Phakel’umthakathi in Soweto During Heated Spaza Shop Standoff, SA Reacts
- Nkosikhona ‘Phakel'umthakathi’ Ndabandaba clashed with Nhlanhla Lux in Soweto on 26 August 2026
- Police were forced to intervene after tensions erupted between the two men outside spaza shops in the area
- South Africans weighed in on the video of the incident, but opinions were split over who was in the wrong
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Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — A tense confrontation between Nkosikhona ‘Phakel'umthakathi’ Ndabandaba and Nhlanhla Lux erupted in Soweto, sparking mixed reactions online.
The incident, which happened on 26 August 2026, showed Phakel'umthakathi arriving in the township with the stated intention of forcing foreign-owned spaza shops to close.
Footage of the incident, posted to X, showed a crowd gathered in the street around the two men, as tensions rose between them.
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Lux tells Phakel'umthakathi to stay out of Soweto
Lux, who previously led Operation Dudula, which also campaigns against undocumented foreign nationals, confronted Phakel'umthakathi directly during the standoff.
He told the anti-illegal immigration activist that Soweto was "his kasi" and ordered him to return to KwaZulu-Natal, asserting that local leadership, not outsiders, would determine how such actions are carried out in the area. Police were forced to intervene as the situation became increasingly volatile.
How did South Africans react?
The video drew hundreds of comments online, with opinions divided sharply over who was in the right.
@NguboSphiwe wrote:
"Thanks, Lux. No way a person from kaNongoma would go build a law firm in Soweto."
@Katli_MaKopo directed a message to the Presidency:
"Arrest the xenophobes from KZN ASAP. They will send their Nkabis to take out Nhlanhla if your government does not stop all of this madness."
@gurumaster281 was dismissive, writing:
"He was just pulling a stunt. How do you wage war wearing a blanket?"
@MpumalangaPost suggested:
"Looks like Lux is getting a protection fee."
@Malome_ZA was blunter still:
"Lux is seeking relevance."
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Source: Briefly News
