KwaThema – Residents are targeted by criminals while crossing through the Rest in Peace Cemetery in Phase Two on Sunday.
This comes after 38-year-old Muzayfani Matlala was shot and killed while walking through the cemetery with his friend as a shortcut to their destination.
KwaThema police spokesperson, Capt Thabo Sibuyi says the intention of the criminals was to rob them but they managed to run, only to be shot.
“According to police who were on the scene, they were informed about the crime at about 10.30pm.
“Upon arrival, they found the paramedics and community members already on the scene.
“The officers were informed that Matlala had been shot.
“He was found lying on his back between the graves with two gunshot wounds, one at the back of his head and one on the right side of his chest.
“Paramedics certified him dead on the scene,” he says.
Sibuyi says three cartridges were also found a few metres away from the body.
“Police further discovered that three men had tried to rob the deceased and his friend.
“As the friends attempted to run away, the suspects started shooting at them.
“We urge residents to refrain from walking through this cemetery because it has no security guards.
“This makes it easy for criminals to prey on those who use the place as a shortcut.
“Anyone with information that can help police in tracing the culprits’ whereabouts can contact KwaThema detectives on 011 812 4600,” he says.
