Devastation after Chris Hani massacre

A family of Chris Hani Informal Settlement is devastated after a family member was shot dead. Four people were shot dead and another three injured after a shooting incident occurred on 25 July 2017 at about 23:30.
Two men, suspected to be gang members, entered the family residence and started firing shots at the people in the house. Piet Seholopa Jomo and Lebohang Mariphi were two of the four male victims that were killed in the shooting. Kleinbooi Mohau Sebego survived the incident.
Maramang Johannes Thipe said he was caught between the door and the wall when the unknown men kicked open the door to enter their house. “I was behind the door and just heard shots being fired. They shot at everyone in the house” said Thipe.
Anna Mohau was asleep in bed and due to only seven bullets in the magazine, an eighth shot could not be fired at her. Her in-laws blame her for the shooting, saying that they suspect she had organised it. Mohau was too traumatised to even talk to the media.
Jeffrey Maphiri said that he suspects it was gang members how are responsible. “Two weeks ago, the windows of the house were broken and they tried killing some of the family members, but did not succeed. If a member of one gang does not like you because you belong to another gang, he will enter your home and shoot anyone he likes, whether he knows you or not. They do not even ask questions, they just shoot,” said Maphiri.
The alleged killers fled the scene in a white Toyota Tazz. Two of the victims who were killed are unknown, while the other two victims, a man and a woman, are still recovering at Pelonomi Hospital.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Lebeoana Tsumane, said he has appointed a high level team of investigators led by Major-General Jones Qhobosheane. “I would like to request the community not to panic as this is an isolated incident that will be investigated thoroughly. The officers we have deployed who deal with sensational crimes in hot spot areas around Mangaung, including gangs, are still in the area to monitor the situation,” he added.
The police have requested that anyone with information that could lead to the identification of the suspects should contact Detective-Colonel Nthako Mkhaulesi at 082-527-7504. – JERETHA OOSTHUIZEN
jeretha@mahareng.co.za