By Doreen Mokgolo
Tshwane residents have grown fearful of enjoying nightlife because of the brutal murders of artists and business owners in what looks like organised hits by criminals.
This follows the brutal killing of popular soul DJ Peter Mabuse, commonly known as DJ Mashata, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mabuse was travelling from Epozini Lifestyle along Aubrey Matlala Street in Soshanguve and stopped in a convoy when the car he was travelling in was hit with several bullets.
Tshwane resident Thato Mofokeng said going out to party at township establishments has become dangerous in recent years.
“It is no longer safe to enjoy the nightlife because this would mean looking over my shoulder every two minutes for shady characters.
“The tavern owners, celebrities and social club owners are getting killed, and the hits are carried out in public risking the lives of other patrons,” he said.
Another resident, Shadi Mokgolobotho, said they need Police minister Bheki Cele to address the scourge of crime in the area.
“We need a plan of action on how police are planning to root out the criminals from our townships; we can’t continue living in fear like this.
“These people are acting as untouchables. It is unfair that we are now forced to live at their mercy while they continue killing our loved ones,” she said.
Some of the people who have been murdered in Tshwane over the past two years include:
Bacardi music pioneer Itumeleng Mosoeu, known as Vusi Ma R5, was shot and killed on 30 January last year.
On 1 January this year, Thando Dlami, Phomolong Malakapatlo, Vuyo Zinnele and socialite police constable Mpho Kgobotlo were shot and killed in Jukulyn in a drug-linked attack.
Bacardi and amapiano DJ Duduetsang “DJ Skinny Deep” Maluleka was shot and killed on 29 January.
Keletile Mthata, an administrator in the office of ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, was shot and killed in a hail of bullets while leaving Molewa Pub and Grill tavern in Hebron on 25 March.
Ndondo Ngoma, Themba Lawrence Makhubela and Dede Mokale were killed in a hit at Nicky’s Tavern in Mabopane on 25 March; tavern owner TT Makinta survived the hit.
Pictured above: DJ Mashata was shot dead on Sunday morning.
Image source: Supplied
