Velaphi Ndlangamandla was born around 1966 in South Africa. Specific details about his early life, including his upbringing, education, and employment, are scarce. He resided in the Mpumalanga province, where he later committed his crimes.

Between April and September 1998, Velaphi Ndlangamandla embarked on a violent crime spree in Mpumalanga, South Africa. He earned the moniker "The Saloon Killer" due to his use of a stolen .22 Anschütz rifle, commonly referred to as a "saloon" rifle. His criminal activities included breaking into homes, where he shot and killed 19 individuals. Additionally, he committed robberies, stealing items such as ammunition, radios, jewelry, clothing, cash, and food.

A dedicated police task team, led by Commander Izak van Zyl, apprehended Ndlangamandla on September 10, 1998, at Phoswa Village near Piet Retief. He faced multiple charges, including 19 counts of murder, nine of attempted murder, six of robbery, one of attempted robbery, five of housebreaking (three with intent to steal and theft, and two with intent to rob and robbery), indecent assault, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and pointing a firearm. In September 2000, he was convicted on all charges and received a cumulative sentence of 137 years' imprisonment.

The successful investigation and arrest of Ndlangamandla were later featured in episodes 10 and 11 of the Showmax drama series "Catch Me a Killer," released in February 2024, highlighting the efforts of forensic psychologist and investigator Micki Pistorius in securing his conviction.