Mbuleli Mathanga found hanging dead in girlfriend’s room
Athlete Mbuleli Mathanga was found hanging in his girlfriend’s room in what is suspected to have been a successful suicide.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, 31 August, the lifeless body of the 2023 Half Marathon champion Mbuleli Mathanga was discovered, Two Oceans Marathon organisers revealed via a statement shared on Facebook later that day.
REST IN PEACE: MBULELI MATHANGA FOUND DEAD
In the released statement, the Two Oceans Marathon organisers said, “Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, running mates, and Phantane club mates. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this deeply challenging time.”
The recently deceased Mbuleli Mathanga will be remembered for his unwavering passion for sport. “We remember Mbuleli in his triumph as an extraordinary winner who inspired all who knew him with his unwavering passion for the sport of road running and his unfailing commitment to always giving his best,” the statement read.
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Mathanga’s body was found hanging from his running shoe laces, ZiMoja reported. And upon discovering his body, a police docket was filed. “It is alleged a man was found hanging from the roof of his girlfriend’s room. It is alleged the couple had an argument,” Ndwedwe police were quoted as saying in a statement.
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MORE ABOUT THE UNTIMELY ATHLETES DEATH
According to the publication, Mbuleli Mathanga was also reported to have been discovered with an open wound at the back of his head. Times Live reported that Mathanga’s coach, Mdu Khumalo from Phantane Athletics Club shared that the late athlete who died at the age of 29 was a father of two. He had reportedly been preparing to compete in the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km race which was supposed to take place on Sunday.