WHENEVER the electricity ran out at their rented shacks, Dingaan Balate (50) would buy the prepaid power himself as their landlord allegedly did not care.
When the lights were about to go out again on Saturday, Dingaan confronted their landlord, telling him this time he would not get to use any of the power.
But now Dingaan from Rietvallei near Kagiso in Krugersdorp is dead after the landlord allegedly stabbed him in the dark.
Dingaan’s wife, Nompumelelo Mbijekana (50), told Daily Sun Dingaan had to fork out R100 again on Saturday when he went and spoke to their landlord.
She claimed the landlord misused their electricity, sitting up the whole night with his friends allegedly smoking dagga, listening to music and cooking. She said the landlord fumed when Dingaan complained again and vowed to show him his wrath.
“He went to his house to disconnect our cable and my husband followed him,” said Nompumelelo.
“He removed the cable from the meter, but my husband put it back. Then the landlord switched off the main electric switch and plunged the whole place into darkness.
“While in the dark he took out a knife and stabbed my husband in the chest. I only heard my husband screaming for help.”
Nompumelelo rushed to the house and found Dingaan lying on the floor, bleeding heavily.
“We phoned the ambulance and the police. My husband was certified dead at the scene.”
The landlord fled after the
incident.
“The police hunted him down and found him at a friend’s place. My husband was our only breadwinner. I have arthritis . . . I don’t know where I will get the money to pay rent. God only knows how I am going to pay for my kids’ school fees and transport.
“That man destroyed me. I will never forgive him. He took my loving husband and father of my children away from me,” said Nompumelelo.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Solomon Sibiya confirmed that a murder case was opened.
“The suspect will appear in the Kagiso Magistrates Court soon,” said Sibiya.
