Alex FM music manager and presenter Joshua Mbatha, who’s affectionately known as DJ Jorontinah, was shot and killed on Thursday evening. Picture: Supplied.
Five people, including Alex FM music manager and presenter Joshua Mbatha, were shot and killed in separate incidents on Thursday evening in Alexandra, northern Johannesburg.
The chairperson of Alex FM Isaac Mangena said the 32-year-old, who’s affectionately known as DJ Jorontinah, was fatally shot while walking home from the station with two of his colleagues.
They were stopped by about three gunmen at 7th Selborne, who took their phones and shoes, before shooting Mbatha in the chest.
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Mbatha succumbed to his wounds at Masakhane Clinic in Alexandra, around 9pm.
“We are with his father and other family members now at the clinic. [Alex FM] Station manager is also with his team comforting each other.
“Let’s keep the family and Josh’s colleagues in our prayers. May his soul rest in peace,” Mangena said in a statement.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said they were searching for unknown armed suspects after five people were fatally shot and five wounded in different areas in Alexandra on Thursday.
Masondo said police had opened five cases of murder, five of attempted murder and armed robberies.
He said a suspect was arrested after he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in the township.
“The suspect is still being profiled to establish if he is linked to the shootings. The firearm will be taken for a ballistic test to determine if it was used in the commission of crime,” Masondo said in a statement.
He added that police management was concerned about the proliferation of firearms in Alexandra and operations to recover such weapons were continuing.
“Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that could help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects, to please call the nearest police station or crime stop on 08600 10111 or by giving a tip-off on the MySAPS app. All information received will be treated as strictly confidential.”
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