By Doreen Mokgolo
The community of Tsakani is reeling with fear and grief after four men were gunned down during a suspected robbery on Saturday.
Hiding in the dark during the peak of stage six load-shedding, the armed men shot and killed Eddie Jiyane (31), Nkululeko Khanyi (31), Frans Makau (29) and Tshepo Letlhagile (29).
It is alleged Khanyi was sitting with his friend Letlhagile outside his home, where he ran a small stall where he played music through his speakerphone, when they were shot dead.
Khanyi’s mother, Betty Khanyi, said she was sleeping when she heard the sound of gunfire.
“The sound of the gun was so close that I thought they were shooting outside my bedroom window.
“While I was trying to make sense of what was happening, I heard my son apologising and pleading for his life to be spared.
“I heard him say, I don’t have more money and the suspect responded that there is money in the house and soon after that I heard the gun go off again,” she said.
After a short silence, when she was about to open her door to investigate outside, she heard the gun go off again from a short distance.
“I heard my son pleading for help, with his hand held up, praying that he would survive. When we finally managed to get to him, he was already dead.”
A few metres away from the lifeless bodies of Letlhagile and Khanyi, the bodies of Jiyane and Makau were found with multiple gun wounds.
Three victims were certified dead at the scene while Makau died in hospital hours later.
The parents are demanding justice for their children.
A concerned resident, Mathabo Molekoa, said they are now living in fear.
“We fear being out in the streets at night especially during load shedding as the suspects are still on the run and their identities are unknown.”
“Loadshedding is not only affecting us financially but is now putting our lives in danger,” she said.
Springs police spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala confirmed that they are investigating four cases of murder.
“The motive is still unknown but police investigations are still underway,” he said.
Pictured above: The four men who were shot dead in Tsakani.
Image source: Supplied
