Man gunned down at birthday celebration

Lucky Matlala, who was gunned down and killed on Sunday in The Orchards, was celebrating his 33rd birthday with friends and family when the festivities came to an abrupt and horrific end.

“Two of the gunmen shot at him around 17 times,” a family member, who would not be named for fear of intimidation, said.

Earlier in the week, Akasia police had said it was unclear why Matlala and the others had gathered at a house in Koos Prinsloo Street.

A manhunt for four unknown suspects had, however, been launched following the gruesome murder.

The family member told Rekord that Matlala and his friends initially intended to have a braai at an establishment in the neighbourhood, but were unable to do so as the meat they bought elsewhere could not be braaied there.

“Then we all decided to leave,” the relative said.

“Less than two hours after we got back home, a Suzuki vehicle pulled up to the house. The next moment, three gunmen wearing balaclavas got out,” he said.

The three gunmen ordered them to lie down on the ground.

“One of them went to Lucky’s car looking for him; when he did not find him, he went to look for Lucky among those of us who were lying on the ground,” the relative said.

When they found Matlala, the two gunmen shot him while the third kept watch. A fourth accomplice stayed in the car.

“They left immediately afterwards,” he said.

During the shooting, the relative tried to flee by jumping over a wall and injured his leg.

ALSO READ: Laudium man shot, undisclosed amount of money stolen

The relative, who described his relationship with Matlala as “close”, said it was unclear whether they had been followed from the establishment where they had intended to have their festivities or whether the gunmen knew where to find Matlala.

“I’m heartbroken; we were like twins because we were born just a few days apart.

“I’m going to miss him very much,” he said.

Previously, Akasia police spokesperson Constable Lindiwe Mdluli, who confirmed Matlala was declared dead at the scene, said they had launched a manhunt for the four unknown suspects in connection with the murder.

Mdluli said they were appealing to members of the public to assist with the murder investigation to contact them.

“We need anyone with information to help us track down these criminals who are terrorising the community.”

“We are appealing to anyone who could help us track down the suspects or who knows the motive behind the horrific incident to come forward,” she said.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram