By Doreen Mokgolo
There are mixed emotions among the community of Soshanguve in Block P, Tshwane, after the death of a notorious criminal, Thando Dlamini, 32, who is said to be part of a gang that has been terrorising the neighbourhood.
He is one of four people who were gunned down in the early hours of Monday morning, minutes after the new year crossover celebrations.
In an alleged territory fight, a group of men armed with rifles pounced on the suspect, who was at a four-way stop with a friend.
They opened fire, killing Phomolang Malakapatlo, 28, Constable Mpho Kgobotlo, 29, and his niece, Vuyo Zinnele, 14.
The constable was stationed with the dog unit at OR Tambo Airport. Vuyo was caught in the crossfire when she ran to greet her uncle.
All four were certified dead. Eighty cartridge shells were found at the scene.
On Tuesday Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko visited the Zinnele, Malakapatlo and Kgobotlo families.
Lesufi confirmed that two suspects linked to the shooting were arrested on Tuesday morning.
“The suspects aged 30 and 33 are expected to appear before the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of murder.
“We are hoping the arrested suspects will lead us to the other suspects and the person who ordered the hit. The police will not rest until all the suspects are arrested,” said Lesufi.
Phomolang’s uncle Zingisile Jonga urged the police and premier to direct their focus on fighting the rising tide of criminal activities in the Jukulyn section of Block P.
“This community has turned into a no go area. People are mugged, cartels fight over territories, there are hijackings and drugs are sold in the open. Innocent people are killed.
“All we want is for those implicated to be arrested and pay for their actions,” he said.
The uncle said even now they are scared of having a joint funeral with other affected families as they fear the suspects might come back to finish what they had started.
“We have seen previous similar funerals involving criminals being reduced to chaos and we don’t want that,” he said.
Pictured above: Bereaved families.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
