REMOVED mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in the Free State, Gilbert Mokotso's bodyguard briefly appeared in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 5 September.
The 50-year-old Tanki James Makhubo allegedly shot and killed a man and badly injured his girlfriend for allegedly denying them the right of way.
The two lovers were on the road in Phuthaditjhaba when they were denied a right of way allegedly by the accused on the busy Saturday, 2 September.
They were both stopped in the process, and an argument ended in a shooting.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said the accused drew out his licensed firearm and shot the man (30) and his girlfriend (29).
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"They were rushed to the local hospital, and unfortunately, the man succumbed to injuries, but the woman is still under medical treatment. The police were informed of the incident by the hospital, where a case of murder and attempted murder are being investigated. The firearm has been seized for further analysis," he said.
Mokotso told Daily Sun that the incident shocked him, but the law must take its course.
"I have been told that the deceased was a breadwinner of his family. I wish to convey my heartfelt condolence to the deceased family. I will visit the family before the end of this week. I was told that the guard was under the influence of alcohol," he said
The accused has been charged with murder and attempted murder. The deceased family requested time to mourn and didn't want to speak to the media yet.
The case has been postponed to Tuesday, 12 September, for a formal bail application.
