Two killed, two hurt in shooting at wedding

HOURS after celebrating his son’s wedding, a KwaZulu-Natal father was fatally shot in front of his family and friends, allegedly by his neighbour who earlier that day had helped with preparations in Eshowe.

Another guest was killed, and two others were injured and are in hospital.

In a quick-witted move by police, the suspect was nabbed when he attempted to flee the area by hitchhiking to Durban. His plans were thwarted when a local constable pretended to stop and give the suspect a lift, only to drive him to the nearest police station.

The Mthethwa family of the Makhilimba area are in mourning after the death of their father Mbhekiseni Petros Mthethwa, 53, and his friend Sipho Mzimela Mnguni, 40. They had been celebrating the wedding of Mthethwa’s son at their homestead, with dozens of guests in attendance.

However, around 8pm on Wednesday, gunshots were heard. A 27-year-old man, believed to be the Mthethwa’s neighbour, shot the father of the groom, and his friend dead.

Two other guests were shot, one in the knee and the other in the stomach. It was believed the suspect left the celebrations and returned after a short while with a gun.

Speaking to Independent Media, the groom’s uncle, Sipho Mthethwa, said the family was still in shock.

“The day had gone so well. Everything had gone according to plan. The neighbour had been hands- on with preparations towards the wedding day. This boy ruined the wedding, the bridal couple is in shock, and they will forever have negative memories associated with what was supposed to be their special day.

“The couple and the family are distraught. We don’t know why he did this, there was no dispute among us to my knowledge,” said Mthethwa.

The funeral has been scheduled for next weekend.

Police, meanwhile, have congratulated the swift actions of Constable Thuthukani Khuzwayo, of the Eshowe SAPS Visible Policing department.

When Khuzwayo received information that the suspect was heading towards a popular local spot to hitchhike, he leapt into action.

“Constable Khuzwayo used his own private car to chase the suspect who was reported to be proceeding to a hitchhiking spot at Gingindlovu. He spotted a suspect fitting the description and saw that the suspect was hitchhiking to Durban,” said SAPS spokeswoman Captain Nqobile Gwala.

The officer pretended to be a civilian driver and stopped to give the suspect a lift.

However, Khuzwayo drove straight to Gingindlovu SAPS for back-up.

“The suspect was arrested and when his bag was searched police found clothing with blood stains,” said Gwala.

The suspect has been detained at Eshowe SAPS on two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He will appear in the Eshowe Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

The KZN Acting Provincial Commissioner Major- General Bheki Langa welcomed the arrest and praised Khuzwayo for his dedication.

“The swift arrest of the suspect is commended. It shows that police are alert and dedicated,” he said.