VILLAGERS have been left in shock after the murder of a well-known mashonisa and his family.
Johnson Fakude (58), his wife Gift Matsane (50) and their two daughters Princess (11) and Priscilla Fakude (8) were gunned down at their home in Casteel, near Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, on the evening of Tuesday, 8 March.
Neighbours said they heard gunshots from the house. One woman said: “We ran out and spotted two young men carrying a bag and guns jumping over his wall. Both ran down the streets firing shots before jumping into a car parked on the R40 and speeding off.”
She said they forced their way into the family’s yard and found all four of their bodies in a pool of blood.
“It appears the killers held the couple hostage inside as the mum was heard calling the kids, who were playing outside, to come in quickly,” she said.
Johnson’s father Judas (82) said he got a call saying the family had been killed.
“When I arrived, my son, his wife and the two kids were lying on sofas near a Ford Ranger bakkie in front of the house.
“Their hands were tied with cable ties,” he said.
Judas’ sister, Thembi (60) said the killers took several items and money.
Police spokesman, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said cops opened four murder cases and were hunting for the suspects.
“The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage. The victims were identified by their family,” he said.
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela condemned the brutal killings.
“We would like to send our condolences to the family of the murdered victims.
“The suspects must be hunted down and brought to book immediately,” she said. Anyone with information should contact Bushbuckridge detective branch commander Colonel Dumisani Mbokane on 082 556 5630, CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.
