Everson Luhanga
Six years ago, his only sibling was shot and killed by a stray bullet when taxi associations were fighting over routes at the Pan Africa Mall in 2015.
On Saturday, Tawana Paul Mamabolo was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer at an after tears party of a friend.
Known in the community of Alexandra, Johannesburg, as prophet Paul, his uncle Nathaniel Mamabolo said he was the first family member to get to the scene when Paul was killed.
“I found him lying face down. I went down on my knees and lifted him up, hoping that he was still breathing, but he was already dead,” said Nathaniel.
According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), shots had been fired towards the two officers present at the scene, prompting police to return fire.
“My nephew’s body was still warm. It gave me hope that the paramedics may be able to bring him back to life. I was desperate for his survival,” said Nathaniel.
But he said the police ignored him.
Paul and his sister were raised by their aunt Anna after their mother died.
“His only sister was shot and killed by a stray bullet. Now he has been killed by a police officer who should have protected him,” his aunt said.
She said Paul was loved by the people in the community.
“He started healing people when he was very young. He was blessed,” she said.
Anna said since Saturday, the police have not given the family any explanation, even after confirming the incident.
It took until Monday evening for the police to provide a case number to Mamabolo’s family.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokeswoman Grace Langa Confirmed that IPID is investigating a murder case.
Langa said it is alleged police were on the way to conduct a roadblock on the corner of Roosevelt and Springbok Street in Alexandra when they heard gunshots.
On their way, they saw two men shooting in the air and a police constable ordered them to drop their firearms.
“One of them withdrew and hid the firearm on his front waist. The other one fired a shot towards the constable and the member retaliated,” said Grace.
The squabble to get the firearm from one of the suspects resulted in one of them being fatally shot. Investigations are continuing.
