Shot and killed in cold blood
Residents of Itireleng and Laudium are still in shock, after the merciless shooting that took place, late last Sunday night (October 17), which left at least 5 people dead and a number of people injured, some of them critically.
The deceased are: Matlaila Mishaka (28), Cedric Koketso Mokale (22), Doctor Boloka (39), Thulane Maifo (27) and Samuel Mabuya (35). Police are still not certain how many residents were injured in the shooting but locals say there were at least 12 people who were rushed to hospital. The investigation has now been taken over by the Provisional Task Team of the Police. According to reports, a group of at least 6 gun wielding thugs entered a local shebeen in Itireleng, at around 11 that night, armed with automatic weapons, and sprayed bullets indiscriminately at patrons, for no apparent reason, thereafter apparently walking calmly over the hills towards Atteridgeville. It is believed that the casualty numbers would have been much higher, had it not been for a quick thinking employee at the shebeen, who immediately, when the shooting started, switched off the lights and told everyone to fall to the ground. Linda Khumalo, a resident of Itireleng, told the Laudium Sun, “As the community of Itireleng, we are shocked, shattered and traumatized after what took place. Imagine, we have to lose our children to trigger happy thugs, who killed for no particular reason. Whilst we are mourning, we are also demanding justice for such a gruesome massacre of our children. Every mother is in pain. We do not know what was the cause of this shooting and what was this all about, so we are urging the police to do something to stop this violence, before we lose this very dear country of ours, South Africa. We believe it is a foreign national group who did this, who want to cause mayhem in this country and divide us. We are all now living in fear.”
Khensani Mthombeni, one of the leaders of the Itireleng Burial Organising Committee, said, “As a community, we are mourning. It is with shock that we just witnessed these gruesome killings and we ask the community to come together and help each other, as we are preparing for the memorial service of our deceased, who died in a war like situation. We have asked Councillor Essop, the council, the business community and the police to assist us with finance or logistical support, so that we may assist the families who are not in a financial position to do so. In fact, one of the deceased was an orphan, and only has sisters left behind. It is situations like this, the way we respond as a community, that determines the future of our country. Condolences to the bereaved families.”
Captain Solomon Monyamane, of the Laudium Police, said, “When I got there soon after the shooting incident had taken place, it was dark and everyone was shaken and scared. Police forensic teams were called in and the area was cordoned off. At the time, we confirmed four deaths at the scene, and many serious injuries, with some already transported to hospital in private cars and ambulances. It is not yet clear how many were shot, but at about 4am, the fifth person died. I appeal to the community not to listen to rumors, as this will cause more anxiety and fear. We as the SAPS are giving this matter our utmost attention and the case has been assigned to the Provincial Police for investigation.”
Phineus Boloka, the uncle of one of the deceased, said, “As a family, we have lost a lot. Just three months ago, we buried one of our family members and now again, we have just lost our nephew, Doctor. We have no words, we are in pain. We asked the government to meet us halfway with burial costs, but they said they do not have money. Besides funeral arrangement costs, we also have to hire a hearse to transport our nephew to Limpopo.”
Mohapi Morapeli, Chairperson of the ANC in Ward 61, said, “The community is in shock after what happened. This is the first time that such gruesome mass killings have taken place in our area. It is a wake-up call for all of us to be vigilant about crime, as it affects all, rich and poor, even those who live in shacks. The people who died were bread winners; someone’s son or brother or father. It is time that we have police visibility in Itireleng by having a mobile police station, something which we have been asking for, for a long time. We have also raised the issue of the non-existence of the CPF in our area. With much pain and sadness, the ANC sends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We are with them in prayer and thought. We, together with our ANC Councilor Essop and nominated Ward Councilor Naeem Patel, have been approaching Laudium businesses, many of whom have shared our sorrows, for assistance to the bereaved families. I want to thank all those who have assisted, including even you guys, the Laudium Sun. This shows that we as the people of Laudium and Itireleng, are indeed one community. We hope in our small way, we can make it easier for the bereaved families”.
Brigadier Brenda Muridili, Provincial Police spokesperson, said, “Police are investigating the circumstances that led to a shooting in the Itireleng Informal Settlement near Laudium. On Sunday, 17 October 2021, police were called to a scene in Itireleng, at approximately 23h55 where they found four men with gunshot wounds, who were certified dead on the crime scene. It is reported that more people sustained injuries and were taken to various local hospitals. Police investigators are following up to determine the number of those who are being treated in hospitals. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage. Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist to apprehend the suspects to please call the nearest police station or crime stop on 08600 10111.”
Councillor Essop said, “We are mourning with the community of Itireleng, and members of the Ward 61 ANC branch, including Councillor Candidate, Naeem Patel and myself, have been approaching businesses in Laudium and surrounds, to assist the bereaved families wherever possible. It is very shocking what happened, the first time in over 15 years since I became the Councilor of the area and during my last days of Councillorship. I hope the police will arrest the culprits soon. We send condolences to the families and the community of Itireleng. We are all mourning our children.”
One of the witnesses who was at the shebeen at the time of the shooting, Mpho Nkwe (20), told the Laudium Sun, “We were chilling and relaxing, as it was a Sunday evening. Suddenly I heard gunshots, it ran like three minutes nonstop. I could not see the attackers. I’m told there were six of them. They shot me in both my ankles and on the right side on my stomach, the bullets went through. I’m in pain and confused, because they did not talk, nor ask anything. They caught us off-guard and just shot, for what? I do not know and I’m very traumatized.”
Ward Councillor Candidate, Naeem Patel confirmed that they have collected money from certain businesses in Laudium, to assist the families of the deceased victims. Any businesses willing to assist can contact Naeem Patel or Councillor Essop.
