Diepkloof family mourns death of their relative allegedly shot during robbery

The gunshots were followed by commotion and their brother who was drunk during the time was seen running after his alleged killers and a total of 11 bullet cartridges were found inside and outside the yard.

Family and friends gathered in the family home to mourn the death of Rhulani Mathonsi.

The Mathonsi family was left distraught after their brother, Rhulani Mathonsi (32) was shot dead during an alleged robbery which took place at Diepkloof Zone 2 on the evening of October 11.

According to Rhulani’s sister, Tsakani Mathonsi, they were in the backroom when they heard gunshots outside the yard where their brother used to run his slap-chips business.

According to unconfirmed reports by Rhulani’s sister, Tsakani Mathonsi, they were in the backroom when they heard gunshots outside the yard where their brother used to run his slap-chips business.

The gunshots were followed by commotion and their brother who was drunk during the time was seen running after his alleged killers and a total of 11 bullet cartridges were found inside and outside the yard.

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“Before running after them, he first knocked in the backroom where we sleep telling us that he has been shot in the hand by the intruders who also stole his cellphone and an undisclosed amount of cash from his business.

“As the gunshots proceeded, one of the bullets hit the window and penetrated the wall in the bedroom he shared with his girlfriend and their five year old son but luckily they didn’t get hurt,” Tsakani said.

She further alleged that after some time the gunshots stopped and her brother ran after the people who were shooting at him, demanding that they return the items they had stolen from him.

As the gunshots proceeded, one of the bullets was shot in the window and penetrated on the wall in the bedroom he shared with his girlfriend and their five years old son.

“According to one of the community patrollers who witnessed the incident, there were two suspects shooting at my brother. He then ran after them to the Orlando East direction where he was shot to death four times.”

She added that before finding out about their brother’s death midnight, they had hoped that he would be brought back home alive.

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“We are very saddened by the way he passed away because it was death that could have been prevented. If he hadn’t ran after the intruders we would be saying different things today.

“The only thing that would make us feel at ease is if the people who did this were found and justice is to be served.”

The day after the horrific incident, some residents of Diepkloof went to a home in Orlando East which allegedly belonged to one of the suspects and vandalised the house.

The late Rhulani Mathonsi’s sister, Gladys said they want justice to be served and those who killed their brother to serve time.

“The issue of gun violence is getting out of hand in our area and it always hits hard when it’s close to home. We never thought we would lose our brother to such violence and we don’t wish it upon any family,” said Tsakani.

According to the family, the suspect whose house has been vandalised was later arrested at Orlando Police Station.