A BROTHER of one of the five dead victims of the Vulindlela tuckshop robbery on Friday said it’s not going to be easy to forget the incident.
Bheki Mbokazi (54) said the shop in KwaDlangezwa, Empangeni, where they were gunned down is just a stone’s throw from the house of his dead brother, Mandla Mbokazi (66).
“His home is opposite the shop.
“When standing at his yard, one can see where his car was parked when he was struck in the head by a stray bullet.
“Being in the vicinity of the scene will be a constant reminder of our loss,” said the tormented Bheki.
He said his brother and a friend drove to the tuckshop at about 7.30pm.
“We heard that when they arrived, Mandla’s friend went to the shop while he parked the car. Suddenly, the gunmen at the entrance of the shop fired shots.
“One bullet went astray and hit Mandla while he was waiting in the car.
“I so wish he had not gone to the shop.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said a group of heavily armed thugs stormed the tuckshop.
“They killed five people and injured two. The dead included two security guards and three innocent bystanders. The thugs stole an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene.”
Zwane said charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery were opened at Mtunzini Police Station.
Mluleki Mntungwa, KZN Community Safety and Liaison spokesman, said MEC Mxolisi Kaunda visited the area on Saturday. “He urged people to work with the cops so the suspects can be bust.”
Major-General Bheki Langa said a team of detectives has been appointed to investigate the incident.
