Enraged family man shoots his adult children and wife
IN a fit of rage after being given a new bed and some groceries from his sons, a Mahlabathini man opened fire on his family members before turning the gun on himself.
Mjabuliseni Sibiya (63) shot and killed two of his sons - Mthabeleni (34) and Sbhamu (39) - while his wife, his youngest son and a neighbour were rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
His first born son, Sgora, who witnessed the ordeal, said his father became angry when his three sons brought home a brand new bed and some groceries for their mother, Sizakele (58) on Saturday.
‘I bought these items to surprise my mother, and asked my two brothers to assist me to take them home.
‘My father was not happy and said he didn’t want the bed on his homestead or in the house he built with his hard-earned money.
‘We took the bed into the RDP house and left, thinking everything was sorted out.
‘While on our way, I received a phone call from my mother, telling us our father was threatening her. We made a U-turn and went back to investigate,’ he said.
Sgora explained that on their return to the house, his two brothers rushed to their father to
ask him what was happening.
‘Without a word, he shot them both. They both died at the scene. I managed to escape unharmed.
'He then shot my mother and my younger brother Minenhle (28), but they survived and were rushed to Ngwelezana Hospital,' he said.
He added that when their neighbour, Msawenkosi Sikhakhane (44) heard the gunshots, he quickly went to investigate and was also shot, but survived.
'Thereafter, my father turned the gun on himself and died at the scene,’ said Sgora.
Minenhle and Sizakele were both rushed to Nkonjeni Hospital and later transferred to Ngwelezana Hospital. Sikhakhane was rushed to a private hospital for medical attention.
Ulundi Mayor Wilson Ntshangase, with his executive committee and accompanied by Zululand Cluster commander Major General Thulani Gonya, visited the family on Monday.
‘We are saddened about this incident. These incidents are on the rise, especially in Mahlabathini,' said Ntshangase.
'Another homeowner was recently killed and buried outside his premises.
‘The situation is worsening, and we need to pray for God’s intervention,’ he said.
Saps Zululand Cluster spokesperson, Captain Nkosie Gwala said two cases of murder, two cases of attempted murder, and inquest dockets were registered at Mahlabathini police station.
She said when police arrived on scene, they found the five victims and Mjabuliseni with the gun next to him.