DNA tests delay funeral for ‘drugs turf war’ victim

A KHAYELITSHA family has been forced to delay the funeral service of their son, killed in what is believed to be a turf war over drugs, because of an outstanding death certificate.

Andile Hoyo was among three men shot dead in Khayelitsha last week by a group of four armed men who went on a shooting spree last week.

A fourth man, only known as Abongile, survived the shooting and was recovering in hospital.

Andile’s elder sister, Nokuzola Hoyo, 36, said she was told by the investigating officer that it would be several weeks before they could bury their loved one.

The reason was that DNA tests still had to be done to determine the identities of the dead men.

They were shot at various locations in the Khayelitsha precinct over five hours.

After the shooting, police arrested the four alleged gunmen, aged between 21 and 33, and charged them with murder.

The suspects appeared at the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Hoyo said the murder was shocking and the motive was not yet known.

Nokuzola said what was most disappointing was the investigating officer telling the family Andile’s body would not be released until DNA tests had been done.

“We don’t have the R1 200 needed for the tests.

“Life insurance policies cannot be paid because we don’t have a death certificate.

“It is almost a week now and we have not heard from the investigating officer.

“Normally, DNA tests are required when someone has suffered burn wounds and in this case that is not the case.

“Why are the police failing us?” asked Nokuzola.

She said their mother, Nontombi Hoyo, was a pensioner and could not afford the money for the tests.

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana had not responded by press time as to why the DNA was necessary and how long it could take.