The family of teenager Simbongile Shinga (19) from the Magogogweni area in Gamalakhe, is mourning the loss of their last-born brother who was fatally stabbed by his friend last Sunday morning.
The incident happened as he was on his way to buy vetkoek with his cousin, and stopped at the friend’s (perpetrator) house to collect money owed to him.
According to Simbongile’s brother, Sphelele Shinga, he was rushed to the clinic, but he died on arrival.
“Simbo was one of six brothers and was the baby of the house. We all looked up to him because of his character and loving personality,” Sphelele added.
Police have confirmed that a 20-year-old man was arrested by Gamalakhe Saps on the same day, after they were notified by Gamalakhe Community Health Care Centre that a man had died after he had sustained a stab wound to the chest.
Police spokesperson Captain Petros Mpinge said: “A murder case docket was opened for investigation and a 20-year-old man was arrested and appeared at the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday this week.”
Sphelele said what hurts them the most as the family is that his brother recently had a child, whom he loved dearly.
“He was responsible, bubbly and he loved dancing. We will miss him so much. As the family, we are preparing for the funeral and cannot comment on what we want to happen in terms of the court case,” said Sphelele.
Gamalakhe community activist, Mpumelelo Mbono said he feels that the youth in the area are frustrated by many things and they take their frustrations out on each other.
“Both the perpetrator and the deceased are known to me. They were friends and it’s sad to hear that the one has taken the other’s life.”
He said as the community they need to stand together and conduct raids and search these youngsters for weapons on a regular basis.
“It has been done, however, it does not seem to be working. Another contributing factor to such incidents is drug use. Our youth are unemployed. Some have matriculated, but they are at home and have nothing to do. We need more activities for our youth, to take them off the streets,” said Mbono
Mbono conveyed his condolences to the Shinga family on their loss.
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