R Mashesha’s house burgled

The thieves allegedly stole most of his clothes, shoes, an Apple laptop, and a PlayStation, items estimated to be worth R100 000. Khomo died last Friday after a long-overdue operation and years of ill health.

His sister, Nto Mnguni, said the incident happened on Sunday while the family was busy preparing for his funeral. Mnguni said unknown men were seen entering Khomo’s double-storey room from the upstairs entrance of the outside building.

“We were in the main house and I remember seeing people entering his room, but I thought it was his friends or some members of our extended family as mourners were in and out of the yard, coming to pay their last respects,” she said.

Mnguni said the thieves must have used his luggage to pack the clothes, shoes and the rest of the things, because his bags were also missing. “We later realised that his laptop, his PlayStation, clothes and shoes were stolen,” she said. According to his family, R Mashesha had bought a lot of new clothes he was planning to wear after recovering. “We are very disappointed and appeal to the public to report anyone selling these items,” said Mnguni.

“We suspect these thieves are from the area and knew exactly what they would find inside the house.” Khomo’s friend and fellow musician Tzozo Zulu said it was disgusting that some people had lost respect for death. “In our culture we respect the dead. We observe the time of mourning as a big loss to the family and stealing from them brings an even worse pain. What kind of a person would steal from a family in mourning?”

Police spokesperson Thulani Zwane confirmed a case of housebreaking and theft was opened at Umlazi Saps. No arrests have been made. R Mashesha will be buried today after a huge ceremony at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.