By Everson Luhanga
Seven people were shot dead and four others were injured during a lobola celebration in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, on Saturday night. The tragic incident occurred at a house where a family was celebrating after lobola negotiations.
The victims, including Petronela Matsione (50), Mphakamiseni Mbatha (50), Calvary Maisha (20), Nomsa Makoni (41), Phindile Walaza (20), Tsholofelo Maisha, and three-year-old Lonwabo Maisha, were all killed at the scene. Two others, one-year-old Hlelo Maisha and Botshelo Maisha (31), were rushed to the hospital with injuries. A 24-year-old woman and a four-year-old child managed to escape unharmed.
The suspect, Hendrick Mathebula, also known as Juju, shot himself after the massacre and later died in the hospital.
According to sources, the violence erupted after Mphakamiseni Mbatha visited Juju’s tavern to buy more alcohol. The tavern was closed, and when owner Rodney Mathebula refused to sell to him, an argument broke out, and Mbatha allegedly slapped Rodney before returning to the house.
Rodney later arrived at the house in a Toyota Hilux and opened fire on the family and guests, killing seven people, including six family members and one friend. Police found 15 bullet casings at the scene.
After the shooting, the suspect drove home to Evaton and shot himself. He was taken to Sebokeng Hospital, where he died on arrival.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brenda Muridili confirmed the details: “One of the victims went to the local tavern to buy alcohol, but it was already closed. An altercation happened between the victim and the tavern owner. The tavern owner followed him home, where he shot and killed seven people, including a three-year-old boy. Four people survived; two are in hospital with injuries, while a 24-year-old woman and a four-year-old escaped unharmed. The suspect shot himself later and died in hospital.”
The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is investigating seven counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and an inquest.
Pictured above: Illustration image.
Source: X
