THE University of Zululand will remember former Professor Humphrey Siphiwe Ngcobo in a joint memorial service to be held on Wednesday (tomorrow) at the King Bhekuzulu Hall, KwaDlangezwa Campus at 12.30pm.
The 47-year-old clinical psychologist, based at Life Empangeni Garden Clinic, was gunned down in the early hours of Sunday morning in an apparent ‘hit’ attack in Richards Bay.
Professor Ngcobo (47) was reportedly leaving Bhubesi Guest House at Mzingazi after a graduation party at around3.10am when he was approached by an unknown male who opened fire.
Police confirmed on Tuesday that no arrests had been made.
‘We are urging anyone with information leading to the whereabouts of the suspect to please come forward,’ said Empangeni SAP Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose.
The suspect, wearing a pinkish apron and a woman’s hat reportedly fired several shots at Ngcobo. He was fatally wounded and rushed to Netcare The Bay Hospital where he later died.
News of his murder has sent shockwaves throughout the community, who hailed Ngcobo as an ‘esteemed psychologist and academic’.
A former UNIZULU professor and HOD in the Psychology Department since 1995, he was a Research Fellow at the university until the time of his passing on. He previously lectured at the former University of Natal during 1996 and 1998. He completed Psychoanalytic Studies at the University of Sheffield in London. Prof Ngcobo had an LLM in Medical Law (UKZN), an MA in Clinical Psychology and a PhD (UNIZULU).
Described as a ‘good man with a good heart’ who helped ‘so many people’, condolences have streamed in from colleagues at Life Empangeni Garden Clinic as well as professionals and community members.
‘My classmate at Unizulu – you were a polished gentleman of note,’ said Zukisa Ntlebi.
‘Your smile was taken away from us but your spirit will always be here in the work that you did. Our prayers go out to your loved ones as the reality hits us in Empangeni,’ said Ruth Duffin.
‘It is so sad! Why him? The whole hospital is distraught!’ said Amoré de Beer.
Ngcobo will be remembered at Unizulu at tomorrow’s memorial service along with other colleagues who passed away this month – Ruby Phuti Chonco and Njabulo Mhlongo.
‘We pray that your memory of our late colleagues lessen the grief over the coming years and gives the families strength. We also pray that the families find lasting peace and comfort,’ said UNIZULU spokesperson, Normah Zondo.
* Read more here: Doctor gunned down in Bay
Death be not proud :( for a hero has fallen. You will missed forever and loved always. R.I.P prof
Rest in peace Prof Ngcobo, you will forever be missed and loved. You were our role model, its sad that you had to leave us so soon.
May your soul rest in perfect peace Prof Ngcobo, your caring and encouraging ways to people will never be forgotten, when i started with the Professional Board for Psychology at HPCSA, you welcomed me with open heart and always wanting to know that i’m still enjoying being with the Council and the Board, your charisma, your humleness, your assertiveness, i can go on and on, you have been taken from us very soon. I still can’t believe that i will never see or hear your voice when preparing your Committee meetings,our AQA Committee will never be the same without you, but in time we will heal and you will never, ever be forgotten. May you your soul rest in Peace Prof Ngcobo, our HERO.
Rest in peace Prof. We will always miss you, your love for everyone. And care.miss u when u say “Gud Gud Gud” HAMBA KAHLE!! SICEBISILE ZUNGU
Round about this time last year Prof Ngcobo helped me! That is who has been; helpful. Sadly at this time this year he is no more. What a waste!!! Prof Ngcobo inspired a lot of people and changed lives of many. Passing of a HERO is a great loss to the community at large! May your wonderful soul Rest in Peace! His forever smiling face will be missed dearly!
Rest in peace mrs RP chonco umusa nothando ubunakho…..i will always mic u*crying*
Rest in Peace Qhawe! Long before I understood what the freedom charter meant with the words “The doors of learning and culture shall be opened”, you helped me open those doors when you assisted me draft my first application letter when I was in Standard 5. Uyibekile induku ebandla!