The funeral of alleged Umlazi gangster Sandile “Chillies” Bhengu drew significant attention due to his notoriety and the community tension surrounding his death. Police officers from across KwaZulu-Natal were deployed to Umlazi to ensure safety ahead of the ceremony, responding to concerns about possible criminal retaliation and the large crowds expected[4]. The atmosphere was tense, as social media messages circulated encouraging criminal activity in the wake of Chillies’ passing, and there was fear among journalists covering the event due to the area’s gang activity[4].
The funeral itself featured displays and rituals associated with gangster culture, reflecting both the influence and emotional impact of Chillies on his community[1]. Dramatic and emotional farewells marked the occasion, highlighting the unique themes and portrayals common at Umlazi gangster funerals[2]. Reports also surfaced that some attendees tried to impersonate military authorities, with police arresting two individuals dressed as fake officers during the ceremony[7].
Chillies Bhengu was a well-known figure in Umlazi, alleged by police to be a hijacking kingpin. He reportedly died at the age of 36, and his gang members were rumored on social media to be planning further criminal activity after his death[6]. Videos and tributes from the funeral continue to circulate online, demonstrating the lasting mark Chillies left on Umlazi’s gangster scene[8].
Leave a Reply