Brother of slain man mystified by shooting at Delft party
SIYABULELA MHLAKAZA died in the hands of his brother Andile, minutes after he was shot in the head and chest in Delft on Sunday morning.
Two other men were each shot in the leg.
The shooting occurred barely five minutes after he arrived at a party in Delft to convince Siyabulela to leave, the 32-year-old Andile said.
While reasoning with him, Andile heard gunshots and saw Siyabulela falling on his back.
”We were drinking together at a different venue, but he (Siyabulela) left me there, so I went to look for him. What could have led to the shooting remains a mystery.
“There was no argument or signs of a quarrel with anyone. He was the only brother I had and I miss him dearly.”
Unathi Philiso, 41, and Mthetho Masimini, 39, are recovering at Tygerberg Hospital and were due to undergo surgery yesterday.
Masimini, speaking from his hospital bed, said he wanted justice. “He (the suspect) must rot in jail for what he did.”
The owner of the house, Nokuzola Ngelenjane, 41, said 1-year-old twins Owam and Elam had their birthday party in the daytime, but the adults decided to carry on until the early hours the next day. It was established that Masimini is the father of the children.
“The patrons were enjoying themselves until the firing of the gunshots. We all ran for cover. Unfortunately someone died and two others were injured,” said Ngelenjane. “This ruined my children’s party.”
She said the cause of the shooting was unknown, but remembered seeing the suspect leave in a hurry, returning shortly with a gun. According to her, about 10 shots had been fired.
Police spokesperson Tembinkosi Kinana confirmed the incident and said the 35-year-old suspect – who has since handed himself over to the police after fleeing the scene – is alleged to have suddenly drawn a firearm and started shooting at guests.
Police are investigating a charge of murder, attempted murder and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Bellville Magistrate’s Court today.
Patrons were enjoying themselves until the gunshots. We all ran for cover