Tebatso Mashishi, left, and the late Sibusiso Khwinana in a scene from Matwetwe. Photo: Universal Pictures
Gauteng Premier David Makhuru visited the family of Sibusiso Khwinana on Thursday morning, telling them that police have identified suspects in the case, although they have not yet been arrested.
Khwinana passed away at 25 years old after being stabbed outside a cinema in Pretoria where he was promoting Matwetwe, the film he can currently be seen starring in, reportedly after a struggle for his cellphone.
According to Makhura, the case is a priority.
Makhura expressed his disappointment over the shocking loss of Khwinana: “When young people from our townships are able to make a breakthrough and they have found something in their lives to do which resonates with their passion, but which also inspires other young people out there, as Sbu has done, and just at that point his life is taken and he is taken from us by brutal criminals.
“People must see that crime doesn’t pay, that’s my message to the police.
“The most senior police officers in our province are here to report to you,” he told Khwinana’s family. “We don’t want to send you to a police station, we want you to be able to talk to the most senior police officers in the province to see this case is a priority case for us.
“Talent from our townships is something [that], once discovered, must be nurtured and not destroyed.”
READ MORE: ‘Matwetwe’ lead actor Sibusiso Khwinana stabbed to death, police confirm
A family member fought back tears as she thanked Makhura for his visit, which she said “brings us comfort as a family”.
Gauteng police commissioner Elias Mawela was also present at the visit, telling the family that a “task team” including “forensic experts” and “experience detectives” have been appointed to deal with the case.
“The team is briefing me daily and have also assured me that they are keeping the family informed,” he said, adding that he was “confident in the progress they are making”.
Mawela said he was not rushing his officers as he hoped that they would do “a thorough job” so a “quality case” could be presented before the court of law.
“It is my wish that we will have something before he’s laid to rest,” Mawela said.
“Those who are responsible for this will be brought to book very soon.”
Malewa called on the people of Sunnyside, Pretoria, to come forward with information on where the suspects were hiding, saying their identities were known by people in the area.
A memorial service for Khwinana will be held in Soshanguve today.
(Compiled by Daniel Friedman)
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