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Community members in Tantseka Locality under Sitebe Administrative Area outside Mthatha are reeling in shock following the murder of seven family members who were shot and killed by unknown gunmen last night, November 16.
The locality is not far from the Bumbane Great Place of AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
The incident occurred as the Mgxada family was busy with funeral arrangements to bury another family member who was shot and killed, on November 8.
Family member, Mlamli Mgxada, who was preparing to bury his wife this weekend, said he was not home at the time of the incident as he has been sleeping elsewhere fearing for his life since witnessing his wife’s shooting at the same homestead.
“I am told that last night, unknown gunmen stormed my homestead and shot my older sister, my younger sister, my eldest daughter, my older brother’s wife, my sister’s two sons and a relative who was living with us were all killed during the shooting,” Mgxada said.
He says he was told that the gunmen asked for him just like the bullet that killed his wife was meant for him.
“The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso expressed her shock following the murder of seven mourners at a homestead in Bityi, and has immediately directed that a team of all the relevant policing units be assigned to investigate the gruesome incident,” said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli.
“The victims are family relatives aged between 29 and 68, who were in mourning and arranging for the burial of their relative, Novotile Mgxada (62), who was fatally shot last week,” Nkohli added.
A case of murder (seven counts) has been opened for further investigation, and the investigation has been taken over by the Provincial Organized Crime Unit.
Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Colonel Mtshiyo on 071 475 2292. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
According to Mgxada, the gunmen took R15 000 in cash meant for his wife’s funeral arrangements.
Crime scene experts were still on the scene when Mthatha Express visited the bereaved family this morning while social workers were also seen giving individual counselling to shocked family members.
Three people, including two minor children, who were present during the shooting, survived.
Eastern Cape Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha is expected to visit the bereaved family this afternoon.
