THE royal family members fear for their lives after Chief Duvazi Johannah Mushwana (46) was shot and killed by thugs during the New Year's Eve celebration at his royal palace in Haakdoring Laagte in Wallmansthal, Tshwane.
According to family spokesman Dick Mushwana, the sad incident happened on Sunday night, 31 December.
He said the thugs used a ladder to climb over the wall.
"We are shocked and don't know the motive. We hope the police will do their job and make sure the thugs are arrested.
"We pin our hope on the justice system. We want to see these thugs arrested and appearing in court. We want them to tell us why they this and who sent them," said Mushwana.
He told Daily Sun that this was an assassination.
"The chief and his four-year-old daughter were shot buy the child receiving treatment at hospital and is in a stable condition."
He said a thug was also shot and killed.
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Mushwana said the chief was the pillar of the family and royal family.
"We don't know what's next. We need to upgrade our security measures. We are fearing for our lives even when we move around the area."
He said the community was shocked, because the chief worked hard to develop the area.
Mushwana there is a lot of crime in the area and the country.
The chief is survived by a wife, four daughters, and two sons.
Gauteng Police spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a case of murder was opened for further investigation after two people were shot dead at Haakdoring Laagte, Wallmansthal, on 31 December.
"It's reported that the Chief of the Ndebele Tribe was celebrating New Year's Eve with his community when three armed suspects wearing balaclavas and gloves appeared from nowhere and started shooting. The chief allegedly shot back at one of the suspects before he also sustained a gunshot wound."
She said the shot suspect and the chief were declared dead on the scene while two bystanders were transported to the hospital with injuries.
"The other suspects fled the scene, and the motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage," said Nevhuhulwi.
Mushwana said the chief will be laid to rest at Wallmansthal graveside in Wallmansthal on Sunday, 7 January.
