Triple murder at royal kraal
According to reliable sources, who could not be named for fear of victimisation, the shooting, which shocked the entire community, happened four days before the suspect in question was to be appointed as a legitimate induna by the local chief.
ELUKWATINI – Three men were recently gunned down near Embhuleni Tribal Authority amid infighting over tribal positions, and a few days later the gunman’s home was burnt to the ground.
According to reliable sources, who could not be named for fear of victimisation, the shooting, which shocked the entire community, happened four days before the suspect in question was to be appointed as a legitimate induna by the local chief.
Mpumalanga News learnt that many opposed the appointment of 40-year-old
Mr Jabulani Mazibuko of Aarhermburg Village, as some accused him of allegedly selling stands illegally for selfish gain. Based on that, a group of people were chosen to deliver a petition to the chief opposing Mazibuko’s appointment.
“The group drove to Emanzana Royal Kraal, formerly Badplaas, with the intent to deliver the said petition. However, the chief was not there and it was decided to deliver it to the secretary at Embhuleni Tribal Authority,” said a source. “Things turned bad when the group arrived there and found the angry suspect. He warned them they shouldn’t dare mention his name in their petition as he had learnt that they were plotting against him.
“They ignored him and while handing over the letter to the secretary, Mazibuko grabbed it and tore it into pieces,” said the source. “He immediately started firing randomly, killing the three victims on the spot.” Local police spokesperson, Const Peace Mbokane, confirmed the incident. “The three males succumbed to their wounds and were certified dead on the scene. The suspect handed himself and his nine-millimetre pistol over to the police,” said Mbokane.
Mazibuko was arrested and charged with three counts of murder.
“He briefly appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate’s Court He was remanded in custody pending an investigation. The gun was sent for ballistic tests,” added Mbokane.
He also confirmed that Mazibuko’s house was reduced to ashes a few days after the shooting. “Investigations still continue and no arrests have been made so far.”
The accused is expected to appear in court again on September 17.
Mpumalanga News spoke to Mr Alexandra Mashinini, one of the tindunas. “We are still shocked at the events. This is the first time in history a thing such as this happened near the tribal house. We wish our people will allow the law to take its course, and we will engage them in finding amicable ways of solving this,” Mashinini said.
The leader of the House of Traditional Leaders in the province, Mr Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena said Mazibuko’s alleged actions had left the council with broken hearts. “We were so saddened and heartbroken to learn that somebody considered to be a leader can commit such a crime. He seems to have anger issues and does not qualify to be a leader, because a leader is characterised as patient and humble at all times,” he said.
